Boris Herrmann, Germany's Vendee globe sailor who is currently seventh in the race, was struggling with a headsail issue on Friday as the solo race neared its end.

On Friday morning, the skipper of Malizia Seaexplorer found that a hook was broken and rendered the sail useless. More than 70% of the remaining routes rely on the J2. Herrmann must climb the mast to try and repair it, even though the mast is not damaged.

Herrmann, who's fighting to stay in top 10, addressed this setback in a message. He said visibly disappointed, "If the Vendee Globe were easy, many would do it."

This issue ends a tough week for the German sailer, who had climbed up the mast earlier to repair damage caused by lightning.

Herrmann was awoken by the sound of flapping sails. He found that the J2 was partially lowered, and the halyard had been damaged.

Herrmann and his team on the ground are working to find a way to solve this problem, but he expects that he will lose time and distance in comparison to his competitors. He said that the battle would be to maintain 10th position until the end.

Vendee Globe is often called "Everest of the Seas" and is the toughest solo sailing race in the world.

The race that began on November 10 is approaching its climax. Leaders are expected to cross Les Sables-d'Olonne in France around January 14.

Armel Le Cléac'h, a French sailor, holds the record for completing Vendee Globe in 74 days, three hours, and 35 minutes. This was set during the 2016-2017 edition. The leaders of this year are on track to finish the race in about 65 days.

In this edition, several landmarks have already been broken.

Yoann Richomme set a new record for a 24-hour solo monohull on PAPREC ARKEA. The distance was 579.86 nautical mile. Richomme broke the Cape Horn record as well, completing it in 43 days and 11 hours, 25 mins, 20 secs, beating Le Cleac’h's 2016 record.

Charlie Dalin, a Frenchman aboard MACIF Sante Prevoyance with 1,479.93 miles remaining to the finish line, is currently leading the fleet. Richomme, a compatriot, is in second place by 190.66 NM, and another Frenchman Sebastien Simon, on Groupe Dubreuil holds third position, 840.99 NM behind.

Herrmann is currently in seventh place, 2 711 37 NM behind Dalin. (Reporting and editing by Ossian shine; reporting by Ken Ferris).

(source: Reuters)