Vendée Globe

Moods are mixed, tiredness and stress for some, especially at the front of the fleet where the Doldrums loom large. Here is a summary of the key thoughts expressed in French at today's radio vacs, recorded live from the PC Course in the centre of Paris.

3rd, Sébastien Josse (BT): Came to a standstill during the night for a while, but now wind is stronger again.  Lot of manoeuvres and a lot of reflection necessary when the wind eases off, so needs to pace himself. Pleased to be have moved off to the west.  First signs of Doldrums as trade winds were already disturbed during the night.  Sea is like a lake. 10-12 knots of wind and sailing at ten knots.  Only seen two days of sunshine since the start.  Overcast skies again today.   Real Doldrums for tomorrow afternoon. Thinks the leaders will arrive together for entry into the Doldrums according to predictions.
 

4th, Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac 2): Very busy between 4 and 6 this morning as lots of manoeuvres to carry out.  So happy he is physically in shape. These boats are very demanding.  Hasn't had time to open any books since starting.  Uncertainties about Doldrums and everyone will be attempting their own strategy, so can be important. In the end, it's often down to luck.  None of the weather charts can really help them at the moment, as so variable

10th, Jérémie Beyou (Delta Dore):  Improving this morning after a night of very light winds.  Lot of gybes were necessary, so very tiring.  Needs to drink a lot as hot and perspiring a lot.  Series of difficulties as weather charts can't give exact forecast, so a  lot of uncertainties and impossible to plan ahead.  Can't spend all his time analysing weather charts as so much to do out on deck, but they keep changing.  Hot, wet and sticky, so needs to rest, eat and wash. Tries to snooze for an hour, but sleep reduced to 20 minutes, when busy.

13th, Dominique Wavre (Temenos):  Pleased with latest rankings. 10 knots of boat speed with a little swell.  Surprised by grey skies that you don't usually find in the trade winds.  Thinks he will see the gap reduced as the leaders enter the Doldrums.  Important to enjoy reasonable conditions and not feel down when sailing.  Seeing dolphins cheers him up and then he likes eating chocolates too.

15th, Marc Guillemot (Safran): Bit more wind again now after light winds during the night at times.  Optimistic about catching up as the leaders are slowed down in Doldrums.  Has been working hard to narrow the gap, as the wind kept shifting and pleased with result.  Now heading due south.  Overcast skies and very little sunshine, but very hot and not easy to air out the boat with all the water on the deck.  Passed 15 miles from Sao Nicolau so could just about see a dark shape.
 

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