Vendée Globe

The depression off Portugal is continuing to generate a strong NE’ly wind which is creating havoc for the next two competitors expected into Les Sables d’Olonne, Benoît Parnaudeau (Max Havelaar-Best Western) and Anne Liardet (Roxy).

2.9 knots for Benoît, -0.2 knots for Anne, the VMG speeds of the two solo sailors bear witness to the difficulties they are encountering off the Iberian peninsula. The terrible conditions are a result of a depression stirring up a NE’ly wind, which is blowing right down their course at between 30 and 40 knots in heavy seas. After a round the world, the skippers and the boats are exhausted and any damage that compromised the end of their Vendée Globe would be a crying shame. Care and vigilance have been the two maxims advocated by Benoît Parnaudeau since the start. He is going to have to stick to them more than ever before, the emphasis being on preserving the boat in this chaotic sea. Benoît passed within 200 miles to the W of Cape Finisterre and is continuing to make due N towards better conditions. With regards Anne, she is making NW’ly over 500 miles W of Cape Saint-Vincent. The damage to her port daggerboard last week will clearly not be helping her make a good heading. Anne specified yesterday that the leak she repaired is still letting in a small amount of water and the current state of the waves won’t be making the situation any easier…

The situation is easier though just as wearing for Raphaël Dinelli (Akena Vérandas) and Karen Leibovici (Benefic). Raphaël has slowed slightly over the past few hours, either to preserve material in the cross seas, or because conditions have eased off slightly. In contrast to Karen’s fear of remaining trapped off Cape Verde for a week, her speeds would indicate that she seems to have broken free of the high pressure ridge. Making in excess of 7 knots over the past half hour, she is attempting to extricate herself from this large windless zone. The calms are never far away though and she may be caught up again at any time.
Translation Kate Jennings

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