Vendée Globe

Here is a summary of what was said during today's live link-up with the French-speaking skippers this lunchtime in Paris.

Vincent Riou (PRB) in 3rd place, 29 miles from the leader:  Thinks rankings will change a lot as they head off southwards towards St. Helena. It is pleasant to be with others, although can't see anyone for the moment.  All in the same conditions in the same race.  Requires him to remain focused to keep up the speed.  SE wind 15-20 knots, sailing close hauled.  Straight racing for three or four days.  Opportunity to see advantage of powerful or heavier boats.  Likely to be like that for several days to come.  Eating late in the evening and having a good breakfast as too hot at lunchtime.

Armel Le Cléac'h (BritAir) in 5th place, 40 miles from the leader: Heeled over sailing upwind.  Pleased to have found southern trade winds.  Occasional big clouds requiring a few adjustments. Those behind seem to have an easier time getting through the Doldrums. Very local phenomena.  Bit like the Figaro Race at the moment, as so close to each other.  15-20 knots of wind, but under clouds drops off to 12 knots.  Under full mainsail and solent. Spotted a Russian cargo ship heading for Northern Europe, but not much else around.  


Yann Eliès (Générali) in 6th place, 47 miles from the leader:  The Doldrums were surprisingly easy and seem to be behind him.  No interruption in the wind.  Slowed down in a few squalls, but not very strong.  It was the approaches that were more difficult.  Fastest crossing through the Doldrums that he has had.  Pity approaches were slow.  At least 48h of trade winds, but further south a strange front off Brazil leading to a confused situation. Maybe something tactical to do there. Hasn't found anything special to eat to celebrate crossing the Equator.  Doesn't want to open the champagne yet.  Has already eaten the week's special - veal stew.

Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux) in 8th place, 66 miles from the leader:  Just one squall in the Doldrums.  Time to take a shower and he was off again. During the night, slight leak from diesel tank to engine and had to clean it up, so stinks.  30 litres in the bilges.  "No alarm?"  - Yes, my nose!  Has become "Sponge Bob" soaking up the mess.  Pumped it backwards and thinks he only lost  a few litres.   Upwind sailing in trade winds and boat slamming into choppy waves occasionally.  St. Helena high divided into two, so complicated ahead.

Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement) in 9th place, 71 miles from the leader:  Very irregular winds and upwind sailing.  Pleased that his tactic has helped him advance, but conditions not easy. 14-20 knots of wind, but shifting by 20° and sometimes straight at the bow. No rain or squalls or calms in Doldrums.  Rare not to see these conditions in this zone.   Thundery squalls further west.  Powerful boats likely to go a bit faster in downwind phase coming up.

Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas) in 17th place, 283 miles from the leader:  Moved back in line with others. Thinks he may have lost a bit by choosing to stay to the east for a while, but feels content for the moment.  The Doldrums look weaker for his passage than for the leaders.   

Bernard Stamm (Cheminées Poujoulat) in 24th place, 927 miles from the leader:  Trying to take advantage of the favourable winds.  Passing Cape Verde Islands tonight and looking for a route through the middle past the flatter islands.   Different race for him as concentrating on wind and boat and not on other competitors' strategies.  Currently doing 14 knots with 14 knots of wind.  

Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty (Groupe Maisonneuve) in 26th place, 1785 miles from the leader:  Fastest boat in fleet over 24 hours and ideal sailing conditions as he passed Madeira. Pleased with his westerly option. Thinks he will close gap on those in front.  At the moment sailing at 16.8 knots without too much difficulty and confident in his boat. Repairs seem to have been effective.

 

Infos précédentes :