Thrilling finale on horizon in round-the-world Vendee Globe yacht race

French sailor Charlie Dalin retained a slim lead as exhausted skippers entered the final hours of the Vendee Globe, locked in the tightest battle in the solo round-the-world race's history. After sailing more than 28,650 nautical miles, Dalin, on board Apivia, was less than 382.57nm off Les Sables d'Olonne where the leading boats are expected to conclude their maritime odyssey on Wednesday.