(FILES) – A file picture taken on November 10, 2012 shows French skipper Francois Gabart waving as he takes the start of the 7th Vendee Globe solo non-stop round-the-world yacht race in Les Sables d’Olonne, western France. Gabart is leading the race on December 23, 2012. AFP PHOTO / DAMIEN MEYER (Photo credit should read DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images)