Vendee Globe leader Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac) is sailing at a reduced speed after colliding with an unidentified object.

The impact of the collision caused the starboard rudder to kick up. As he tried to get it back in place Dick realised that the connecting arm which joins the two rudders is broken and that the rudder stock is also damaged.

Dick, who has lead the solo round the world race since last Wednesday (10 December) has slowed and is sailing with just the port rudder down and will need to ride out the storm which had already brought the leaders 35- 40 knot winds this afternoon.

Dick is evaluating his options as to how he might effect a repair. On the 1500GMT position report Paprec-Virbac 2 was making 11.8 knots.