Having rounded Cape Horn last night without problem, Jean Luc Van Den Heede is now five days ahead of Philippe Monnet’s 151 day, 19 hours and 54 minute round the world record he set in 2000.

According to reports from the boat this morning Van Den Heede hit his first big depression yesterday with 60 knot wind gusting 70 knots. “That lasted several hours,” reported Van Den Heede, “but not long enough for the waves to build up, break and become dangerous. I should say that with 50 per cent of Adrien’s weight at a depth of 4.6m, the chances of capsizing are very slight. In these rough conditions, Adrien has behaved perfectly with three reefs in the mainsail and two square metres of solent unfurled forward to maintain the overall balance.”

After the front had passed, Van Den Heede headed 60 miles due north which didn’t help the average but he was was keen to return above 57°S. “Life here is a little damp and cold.” Added Den Heede. “The worst thing is to have to put on an oilskin which hasn’t had time to dry to go on deck during the night. The best thing is put on the oilskin again to set more canvas because the wind has moderated! Under these extreme conditions, I am delighted with my Cotten foul-weather gear, and while the oilskin comes back inside Adrien soaked, I at least remain dry.”