American Marconi Wireless News - Dalin heading for victory after Vendee Globe rival loses sail

After two months at sea, Richomme is the last sailor still in contact with Dalin's boat Macif Sante Prevoyance which is expected to cross the line back in Les Sables-d'Olonne in north-west France between Tuesday and Wednesday.

The two men have been locked in a fierce duel since rounding Cape Horn nine minutes apart.

The Paprec Arkea skipper told AFP in an audio message a part used to hoist the headsail broke in the middle of the night.

"The sail fell into the water on to the foil and split into two pieces," he said.

"I managed to get it back on board and not leave anything in the water."

The sail was unusable although he has been able to replace it with a spare.

"It's a bit of a shame, but it's not too serious for the future. It's frustrating though to have lost two hours of sailing time," said the 41-year-old sailor.

At 0700 hrs on Friday Richomme was off the Canaries, just 177 nautical miles behind Dalin and more than 600 miles north of third-placed Sebastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil).

O.Johnson--AMWN