Louis Burton (Bureau Vallee 2) takes the lead of the Vendee Globe with just over a 1,000 nm to the finish in Les Sables d’Olonne.
Long time leader Charlie Dalin (Apivia) is just 12 nm behind Burton who is the most northerly of the leading three.
The leading four passed the islands of San Miguel and Santa Maria early Sunday morning.
Behind the top group Yannick Bestaven and Damien Seguin were first to gybe and are heading north in search of the stronger breeze.
Fifth placed Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ IV) has sailed to the north of the Azores, in a gamble that could see him well positioned to the north of the leaders on Monday.
Vendée Globe Leaders – Day 77 – Sun 24 Jan – Updated 17:00 hrs UK
1st FRA Louis Burton – BUREAU VALLEE 2 – 987 nm to finish – sailing at 17+ knots
2nd FRA Charlie Dalin – APIVIA – 12 nm – sailing at 13+ knots
3rd FRA Boris Herrmann – SEAEXPLORER – 49 nm – sailing at 14+ knots
4th FRA Thomas Ruyant – LinkedOut – 128 nm
5th FRA Yannick Bestaven – Maître CoQ IV – 262 nm
6th FRA Giancarlo Pedote – PRYSMIAN GROUP – 319 nm
7th FRA Damien Seguin – GROUPE APICIL – 320 nm
8th FRA Jean Le Cam – Yes we Cam! – 584 nm
9th FRA Benjamin DUTREUX – OMIA – WATER FAMILY – 665 nm
10th FRA Maxime SOREL – V and B-MAYENNE – 896 nm
GBR:
17th GBR Pip Hare – Medallia – 3297 nm
22nd GBR Miranda Merron – Campagne de France – 4207 nm
Retired:
Nicolas Troussel, Alex Thomson, Kevin Escoffier, Alex Thomson, Sebastien Simon, Sam Davies, Fabrice Amedo, Isabelle Joschke, Sébastien Destremau
