Eliès back on dry land as Davies moves into 8th

As the rescued Yann Eliès is delivered still injured but safely back to Fremantle, Western Australia today (Monday) by the Australian navy frigate HMAS Arunta, British solo sailor Sam Davies had resumed racing and had, geographically, moved up a place to eighth in the Vendée Globe solo round the world race.

Davies, who had also altered course to assist Elies, was ahead of Marc Guillemot, who, having been ahead, had stood by Elies until the frigate arrived, but Guillemot will be eligible for more time compensation than Davies, who was stood down.

Still with a healthy lead was the 2000 winner Michel Desjoyeaux, still chased by Roland Jourdain and Sébastien Josse. Brian Thompson is 10th, Dee Caffari 11th, Steve White 13th and Jonny Malbon 14th.

Light winds were squeezing the leaders of the Volvo round the world race as they were counting down the last 200 miles of the third leg from south-west India to Singapore.

Any one of four boats could be first across the line overnight Monday/Tuesday at the end of what has been a tricky 1,950 miles. Ericsson 4, skippered by Torben Grael, was still on target for a third consecutive leg win.