Swiss skipper Dominique Wavre has set a record for the distance sailed single-handed in 24 hours, exceeding 430 nautical miles.

Sailing in the Vendee Globe single-handed, non-stop around the world race, Wavre's record came four days after the one achieved by former race leader Yves Parlier of France.

Wavre calculated his distance sailed as 426 miles, but his shore crew put it at 432 after monitoring his progress by satellite.

Parlier's record was 419 nautical miles.

Leadership

Skippers in the race were reporting icebergs further north than expected - and Britain's Ellen MacArthur awoke to find herself within 50 metres of one that her radar had not picked up.

Wavre, eighth among the 20 boats still in the race, averaged 18 knots over the 24 hour period but remains some 520 miles behind Parlier.

Frenchman Michel Desjoyeaux took race leadership when he turned his 110 miles deficit into a 65 miles advantage over Parlier in 24 hours.

Snow on deck

Parlier, in charge for 27 of the 31 days, slipped to third behind compatriot Roland Jourdain, who trailed the new leader by 23 miles.

The boats at the front are progressing east through the Southern Ocean, southeast of South Africa, but Parlier is about 400 miles further south than Desjoyeaux and Jourdain.

Parlier was almost becalmed and said snow was covering his decks.