Peyron climbs to the top by the north face

News

December 05. 2008 at 11:52
Peyron climbs to the top by the north face
© LOICK PEYRON / GITANA EIGHTY / Vendée Globe

Yann Eliès time at the top of the Vendée Globe fleet is cut short again, this time by Loïck Peyron who is back leading the fleet on Gitana Eighty, his northerly option paying off just now

The wily Peyron was 12.8 miles behind in third place on the early 0400hrs GMT poll this morning, but is now 7.4 miles ahead of Seb Josse (BT), who was temporarily deposed from the lead overnight by Eliès. Generali is now third, just under 20 miles behind Peyron.

 

Peyron’s option in the north has seen more breeze, and a steadier breeze, while to the south there is a small anticyclone bubble which is giving lighter winds which the likes of Dick and Golding are going to be affected by, before they can reap some of the usual benefit of the more southerly lane.

 

Armel Le Cléac’h (Brit Air) – on roughly the same track as Peyron – has gained a similar dividend, climbing two places to fifth.

 

While Dick is now back on a more easterly route again, Mike Golding, GBR,  is still investing in the south, looking for the longer term gain. Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) is 35.4 miles behind in terms of DTF, but has kept his options open with a more northerly course.

 

Bernard Stamm, SUI, continues to push hard on Cheminées Poujoulat, passing Dee Caffari, GBR, (Aviva)  now to take 15th place.