A tough first night for the Vendee boats

It's far too early to venture any opinion on the Vendee Globe race that started yesterday but after a tough night in 20 to 30 knot winds Dee Caffari must be delighted that she is the front-running British sailor among the early leaders.

Three boats have had to turn back for repairs and will need to do some catching up. But there is still plenty of time. This is a marathon, not a sprint, which is why it seems strange that someone with the experience of Mike Golding should have gone over the line early. It was so unnecessary.

Looking at the distance covered between the last two rankings, however, he seems to be cranking up his speed.So is Sam Davies on Roxy. Comparing their readings with that of Brian Thompson it would look as if Thompson has had a problem.