I have a gybe to do soon. We have a front that will allow us to ride towards New Zealand. I liked the Indian Ocean, in which I even had a shower in, but I do want to get to the Pacific to start getting closer to home; to get past the 180° west and start to get the scent of Larmor-Plage getting closer!

It really took it out of me trying to get past the barrier of the AMSA (is this the area of high pressure??), I had constant gybes to do and it totally wiped me out; I didn't stop all night! I was stressed about getting enter the ice zone. I could feel Jaco's energy (Jacques Caraës, Vendée Globe race director). You could feel the pressure and feel him looking at you!

Yesterday, I had a shower in the Indian Ocean, the water was 10°, but it was a real shower. I sucked up the sea water with the ballast pump, and I washed myself with the sponge, soap, and even washed my hair with shampoo. I changed clothes and smell so good that I could even go to a wedding.

There is an albatross behind me at the moment. I recognise it, it's great to see it flying in the wake, you don't feel alone, it's huge!

You always think you would like to more and more wind, but I had decided before leaving to take take a prudent course in complicated situations, especially in heavy seas. It's a rule I've set myself because my priority is to finish the race and my second priority is to do the best I can. I hope that the sea will be more settled and that I will find opportunities to catch those in front. I'm working on all the gybes. When I see the strain on the equipment on the boat, I pay attention, we are halfway there.”