Vendee Globe skipper Sebastien Destremau is struggling with a "major keel problem" on his boat Merci in the notoriously unpredictable and treacherous stretch of water around the equator known as the doldrums. He alerted organisers he had a serious mechanical issue in the most difficult part of the 24,00 nautical mile race, but assured them he was in no danger. The 56-year-old is tackling his second Vendee after finishing last in 2017. Since this year's flotilla set out from the French port of Les Sables d'Olonne on November 8 only one of the 33 competitors has had to retire, a broken mast spelling a premature return to dry land for Nicolas Troussel on board Corum L'Epargne. sc/dga/nr/gj