45 knot winds, 7 meter waves and horrific Bay of Biscay weather has ravaged the Vendee Globe fleet in the first 32 hours. 8 of the 30 starters have headed back to port: 2 dismasted, legend Bernard Stamm's bowsprit destroyed in collison with a freighter, champion Michel Desjoyeaux with engine and electrical trouble, Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) - hull damage (after recent repairs from a collison with a trawler). For more click on the bold text above.