Vendée Globe

For those about to set sail for three months in regions that are known to be hostile, there is no room for compromise or improvisation where safety is concerned. We can expect that some will be unable to complete their circumnavigation within the actual rules of the race (non-stop without assistance), so it is out of the question that the safety of the racers can be neglected. Pre-race safety checks try to ensure as much as possible that they will be able to deal with any incidents at sea.

The scrutineers and measurers have begun their work on board the boats taking part in the Vendée Globe. Armed with their clipboards and check lists, the scrutineers appointed by the organisers pay close attention to the detailed inventory concerning the onboard safety equipment. On the one hand, there are the official requirements: they must have distress flares, which satisfy the rules and which are not out-dated. They have to possess a liferaft, which has been checked before the start and these are just a few of the items on the list… 

However, as you may imagine, the official rules are not enough to guarantee the safety of the yachtsmen and yachtswomen. Apart from the self-righting tests, the compulsory qualifiers, other elements are checked, which are considered to be crucial in any unforeseen event. Carrying out manoeuvres on the bow in bad weather means your life can depend on the harness anchorage points on the deck of the boat, the life-lines, the lines running from the stern to the bow allowing a harness to be attached, are also tested. The same is true of the first aid and medical kit prepared by Jean-Yves Chauve, which must be fully complete.
Among the other areas that are inspected, the quality of the communications: ensuring the VHF radio and satellite phones are working, and that the skipper knows the procedures, are also on the check-list.

Finally, the measurers inspect the various bulkheads to ensure they are watertight, and that everything can be closed properly. In all that comes to around fifty points that cover from the pulpit anchor points to the height of the guard rails and ensuring the navigational lights are well attached… In all, each visit lasts around half a day. With a record sized fleet the measurers are obviously going to be kept busy before the start.

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