Vendée Globe

The French skippers wait to see who’ll come out on top as the dice roll in the St Helena game of Russian roulette…

Loïck Peyron (Gitana 80): Under a huge cloud that he couldn't avoid, got stuck yesterday.  Now back up with each other. Talked to Sébastien Josse a while ago.  Similar speed and similar conditions for leading group, 15 knots of wind and 10 knots of boat speed. This afternoon and tonight will be complicated. Tomorrow calms in high ahead. Those behind are trying a different strategy. Russian roulette, as mystery what lies ahead. Cooler temperatures, but still warm today.  Saw a large container ship go by this morning. Loïck says Jean Le Cam gambling that the high will move eastwards, but no one can be sure.
Yann Eliès (Générali): Feeling good, as slept well. 1-8 knots of wind and variable wind direction.  Noticed options being taken because of squalls. Could see some boats, but not sure which.  Talked to Bilou yesterday. Doesn’t think Jean Le Cam, Gitana Ecover and Jojo have been rewarded for all their hard work, as others have kept up with them. Anything is possible from now on. Worried about Mike Golding's boat delaminating and doubts about Peyron's slow down yesterday, as boats have been suffering... Broken cleat on Générali, but nothing serious.
Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac2): Variable wind, so requiring a lot of efforts - very frustrating night. Really annoyed and frustrated at times. Still about same distance from leader although has dropped back in positions. The sort of positions found in 2-day races rather than on around the world voyage. Maybe a small group will remain together throughout the south. The presence of other boats in sight means you keep an eye on their behaviour. Danger is you can forget the long-term view or the global vision. Speed 10.17 knots.  Squalls with sudden gusts of wind.  Later today, will probably reduce the sail by taking in a reef or two.
Marc Guillemot (Safran): Still banging slightly in upwind sailing, but manageable.  Wind now coming straight at the boat, so not able to stay on course he was on during the night. Pleased about progress during past few days. Better than he had hoped for at start of week. Concentrating on mental activity rather than physical activity at the moment. Keeping manoeuvres to a minimum and working on other parameters. Admits he made a mistake off the Canaries.  Can't blame his sea-sickness, although diesel stink did not help him sleep at that point in race.  Decided not to head too far east and thinks that was a wise choice. Like an aircraft engine; the more it runs, the better it is.
Dominique Wavre (Temenos): Sunshine, stable wind, so feeling happy. Believes option to the west is paying off. Sailing upwind heeled over, 11 knots of boat speed. In spite of radically opposed designs interesting to see Pindar and Safran at similar speeds. Pleased to see IMOCA allow such a range of design options. Magnificent weather, especially after thundery squalls of past few days. Fleeces back out as cooler.
Sam Davies (Roxy): Pleasant sunshine. Not too hot. 18 knots of wind sailing upwind. Slightly calmer seas. More stable conditions since midnight.  Her chart table can be angled so avoids feeling of heeling over.  For the moment, no problems and really enjoying herself. A few days ago a bit tired and not eating, but fine again now. Has eaten and rested, so feels better. Around Equator, didn't feel like eating but yesterday ate some cheddar cheese. Has six of her mother's fruit cakes on board. Her parents are still in La Rochelle area – they’re not moving as too busy following race. Doesn't feel alone. Knows there are other people out there following her and in regular contact with her shore team. Not at all like in Vendée Globe a few years ago, as can easily talk to others on phone.

 

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