François Gabart sailing MCIF in the Vendée Globe is less than 700 miles from the finish line, 76 days after setting out in the singled-handed around-the-world race. Armel Le Cléac´h sailing Banque Populaire is roughly one hundred miles behind Gabart.  The third place contender, Jean-Pierre Dick on Virbac Paprec 3, is still determining whether or not he will be able to finish the race. Three days ago, the articulating keel on his boat broke off and since then he has been relying on water ballast for stability.  On a recent video broadcast he commented, ‘I’d go faster if I had a keel.’   Alex Thomson sailing Hugo Black in fourth place is standing by to assist Dick is necessary.