News : Blue Monday or Happy Monday?

Blue Monday or Happy Monday?

News

November 17. 2008 at 13:32

A summary of the thoughts of the French speaking skippers from today's radio session.

1st Loïck Peyron (Gitana 80): Hard work as several gybes during the night to get through the Cape Verde Islands. 12-14 knots of speed, but wind variable and still suffering from wind shadow. Feels tired this morning after a busy, sleepless night. With the Doldrums ahead, lot of work to do as forecasts do not agree about what lies ahead. Has to reject some forecasts. Thinking of his Transat Jacques Vabre mistake around here, so going to be careful.   Fairly pleased with outcome.

2nd Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux): Wasn't too bad getting through the islands. Slowed down for a few hours, but nothing serious. However, there are the complications of the Doldrums ahead. Has picked up the wind and is off again. Running in sweat, will be losing kilos and will end up thinner than he's ever been. Taking his off his T-shirt as so hot, but must not complain because soon it will be cold.

5th Vincent Riou (PRB): Bit slowed down to the west of Cape Verde Islands, but now taking off again. Sailing within sight of Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec Virbac 2). Hopes to get back with the leaders, but no miracle in the next few hours. Pleasant to be near Jean-Pierre Dick as that encourages you to race. Fleet will be tackling the Doldrums in groups, so doesn't think it will lead to any dramatic changes, although wondering about Jean le Cam, as so far to the east. Doesn't believe they are pushing boats too hard.

7th Yann Eliès (Générali): Everything is perfect! Managed to get by Cape Verde without any delay and satisfied with the result. Could not see the islands and happy to have avoided them by 40 or 50 miles.   Tourism for his retirement, not now. Admits the three in front have extended lead, but those out to the west are well placed to tackle the Doldrums. We shall see by the end of the day what the real outcome is. Normally fine weather in this area, but this time dull weather. Caught two flying fish that he has prepared to eat at lunchtime. 15-20 knots of wind but variable going from 50 to 80°

8th Armel Le Cléac'h (BritAir): Passing to the west of Cape Verde Islands and sailing well in reasonable wind. Happy to be out west with Doldrums coming up, probably 500 miles ahead, but decisions need to be taken 4 or 5 days before. Even had that in mind when he gybed to the west off Portugal. Doesn't really like flying fish so pushed those that fell on his deck during the night back in the water. Overcast skies, but sun trying to come out, so will be making the most of it to use his solar panels. Conscious that he has to pace himself, as there's a long way to go and will be discovering the Southern seas.

9th Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement): Bit too cautious, so not a brilliant start to the week. On a great boat in a beautiful place in a wonderful race, but a bit annoyed with himself. Could have done better last night. Sail changes that were not really necessary. Boat would have sailed more quickly without the hard work. Very cloudy to the west of the islands and can't see them. Flying fish are back. Within 12 hours the Doldrums can change, so always unpredictable. Consequently, can't say what he thinks about what lies ahead. Contradictory forecasts and computer coming up with several different patterns from his three sources.

13th Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas): Cape Verde Islands about 150 miles ahead. Interesting to see various tactical choices. Will decide this afternoon whether to cut through middle or between Africa and islands. Certainly not too close to African coast anyway. Then after the islands will have to head off westwards to get through Doldrums. Isn't worried about his position, as a long race.

22nd Raphäel Dinelli (Ocean Vital Fondation): Wind has now picked up slightly after being parked up. At least he's advancing at 5-7 knots now. Took advantage of calms to carry out repairs and to complete his preparation. Up until now had been working without a computer, so little weather info and had been using paper charts.   What is important is using the occasion to try out his alternative energy sources. Ideal conditions until Doldrums. Boat is reliable and sailing well. For him it's a technical challenge, rather than a race against the leaders.

24th Bernard Stamm (Cheminées Poujoulat): Better now, as 25 knots of wind and downwind sailing. Fine weather and warming up. Telling himself that there's a long way to go and avoiding mistakes.     Just trying to sail well, rather than fix clear objectives.