It's another spectacular night in the trade winds. The full bright moon is lighting up the ocean and Medallia's decks.

Watching the drama unfold last night was a great reminder that in the 3,250 miles of racing I have to go, anything could still happen.

Having now spent two days in recuperation mode, trying to fight my body’s allergic reaction to the heat/sun/jellyfish sting, I've been reflecting on just how much I have put my poor body through in the last 77 days, and I am as ever impressed at what we human beings can do.

I had a choice yesterday; to sit around feeling powerless watching the three boats behind me romp North and eat into my lead or do something positive which would move me forwards, not on the water but giving better potential for what happens next.

For the first time in many many weeks yesterday I hand steered Medallia and it was magnificent. I took a cup of tea, some great sounds (Daft Punk and Muse) and sat on deck steering my way through the shifts and the waves for five hours, until night had fallen and my neck and back were tired.

After the events of yesterday I know I am special. I have had what I believe to be a unique Vendée Globe experience. I have been stung on the back by a Portuguese man o’ war.