Vendée Globe

The curtain will be coming down today on the fifth edition of the Vendée Globe. Since the second of February and Vincent Riou’s triumph, the Vendée and Les Sables d’Olonne have been experiencing the joy and the emotion of each new arrival. Raphaël Dinelli (Akena Verandas) took twelfth place yesterday in the overall rankings. The thirteenth and final place of the 20 initial contenders on 7th November will go to the second woman in the race, Karen Leibovici (Benefic), this afternoon, as she is currently sailing to the south west of the island of Yeu. The yachtswoman needed all her courage to complete her race. Her friends and supporters understand that, and have turned out in force for her arrival in the harbour entrance in Port Olona late this afternoon.

“Everyone’s a winner” is the watchword of each edition of the Vendée Globe, as the enthusiasm of the crowds shows with each new arrival. Yesterday’s finish after more than 125 days of racing by Raphaël Dinelli was no exception to the rule. The warm welcome by the local people helped forget those tough moments during the single-handed round the world race. This afternoon, Karen Leibovici will also experience this rare moment of glory, which is certainly well deserved after her 126 days of pain and toil. Karen is bringing her “red cigar” home. Joé Seeten completed his Vendée Globe in 2000/2001 in 115 days on board this very same boat, while Catherine Chabaud came in sixth at her helm in 1996 after 140 days.

Karen was sailing this morning off the island of Yeu in a light easterly. She is going to have to tack in the wind hole to reach the finish, which she is likely to reach late this afternoon.

Dvdb

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