Nick Moloney who’s currently lying in seventh place in the Vendee Globe, 2,686.5 miles behind the leader Vincent Riou, is experiencing problems with his power supply aboard Skandia as he makes his final approach to Cape Horn.

According to Moloney it’s a recurring problem that’s got worse. Apparently the batteries that supply all the power to the yacht systems including the vital autopilot are failing to hold their charge and he’s currently having to charge every couple of hours to keep the systems functioning.

Moloney’s technical backup team have been working to find solutions, and at present have helped him stabilise the situation for the time being. However, a new long-term solution is currently being researched to enable Moloney to reach the finish in Sables d’Olonne.