Intro:

Frenchman Francois Gabart leads the Vendee Globe as competitors close in on the finish at Les Sables d'Olonne, France.

Script:

The end is near, 1067.9 miles to be precise, for Vendee Globe leader Francois Gabart

Gabart is being chased by fellow-Frenchman Armel Le Cleac'h, who is 108.5 miles behind.

Jean-Pierre Dick (Virbac Paprec 3) remains in third place, despite the fact he's been sailing for two days without a keel.

Fourth-placed Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss), was just 69.4 miles behind him on Thursday afternoon and closing fast.

In the battle for fifth Mike Golding (Gamesa) continues to press Jean Le Cam (SynerCiel)

Both experienced sailors are making just over 15 knots on a direct course towards the equator.

Behind them, in seventh, is Swiss sailor Dominique Wavre (Mirabaud), he is back on the direct route.

And bringing up the rear is Alessandro Di Benedetto (Team Plastique), he was over 4,200 miles behind leader Francois Gabart on Thursday afternoon.

The French-Italian is battling on, despite a broken rib.