Vendée Globe

Jérémie Beyou speaks of the heartbreaking decision to retire from the race, whilst the chasing skippers are surviving slamming conditions and waiting for their moment…

Jérémie Beyou, Delta Dore (RTD): Could only confirm retirement once in calm water.  The seas caused the boat to bang around causing further damage.  His team is on the spot and boat will have her mast removed to see whether repairs are possible there. So he doesn't know whether boat will be transported by cargo vessel, or whether he will be able to sail home.  He’d rapidly realised that he would be forced to retire, but didn't want to admit it.  In any case, it's not the end of the world.  There are worse things.
Loïck Peyron, Gitana 80 (1st, 20048.6 miles to finish) :  Not a lot going on.  Continuing south, so reading a lot at moment.  Just finished ‘Millenium3’.  Looks like the fleet are all coming together ahead.  Not worried about being in the lead.  Very irregular winds 14-17 knots, but a bit better now.
Sébastien Josse, BT (2nd +17.1): About ten miles further east of Peyron; after difficult conditions yesterday things seem to be easier today.  Feeling optimistic, because he thinks he is better positioned for change ahead.
Jean-Pierre Dick, Paprec-Virbac 2 (3rd +38.1): Boat slamming less. Yesterday, it felt like the boat was about to fall apart.  Very stressful.  You wonder what you should be doing - eating, sleeping, working hard?  A few repair jobs - water inside, a cunningham to repair.  Always too much work to do, as small problems can quickly degenerate. Is about to throw a suitcase overboard as part of an ocean flow study.
Yann Eliès, Générali (7th +66.1): Feels like he has a hangover, as being tossed around. Fell over in cockpit.  Nothing serious, a bruised finger and feet and swollen hands. Foncia, Pindar, Safran and Temenos set to close the gap because of what lies ahead.
Marc Guillemot, Safran (10th +192.9): Forgot to remove his ear-plugs! Wears them as very noisy on boat. Once again the fastest boat in the fleet. Thought it would be later in race he would claw back the miles, but weather ahead means he is optimistic about reducing the gap. The high pressure system will be moving eastwards, so leaders will be slowed down ahead of him, but should be easier for him. 16.5 - 17 knots at moment. Wind on the beam, but seas very choppy and slamming down into troughs - like a car without any shock absorbers.
Dominique Wavre, Temenos II (12th + 245.5): Sailing between islands of Trindad and St Martin Vaz. 30 knots of wind and slamming a lot, so boat suffering, so very stressful. Currently at 18 knots of boat speed, but looking forward to closing gap, as very uncertain ahead.
Michel Desjoyeaux, Foncia (14th + 396.6): Can't go too fast as slamming into waves and very wet. Leaders set to slow in high, so reckons he will close the gap ahead. Will be leaving the islands of Trindad to port. Slightly overcast, but sun peeking through. Choppy, rough seas.  Still very hot inside boat 26° this morning.
 

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