2013 may well start with the status quo intact. There seems little chance of any immediate change in the ranking order on the Vendée Globe even if Bernard Stamm (Cheminées Poujoulat) and Javier Sanso (Acciona 100% Eco Powered) are each on a charge, sailing the biggest distances over the 24 hours to build a growing threat to the skippers immediately in front of them. Otherwise the order is very settled. Even between the two leaders, François Gabart (Macif) ahead of Armel Le Cléac’h (Banque Populaire) again, there are 9.5 miles. With 650 miles to go to Cape Horn the top duo are anticipated there tomorrow evening. Meantime Italy’s Alessandro di Benedetto can pass into the Pacific before the leaders leave
