Vendée Globe

The Royal Australian Navy frigate Arunta (pictured) is expected to arrive at Generali's position Saturday afternoon (GMT). The ship is 118 metres long, has a crew of over 100, and is captained by Commander Timothy Brown. A full medical team is on board. Today's radio broadcast brought news live from Marc Guillemot as he stands by Generali, as weel as the thoughts of other skippers racing in this Vendee Globe.

Marc Guillemot (Safran): “ I am 500 metres away from Yann's boat. We have talked a lot and we both got some sleep.  The wind has got up 28 knots and the seas are getting rougher.  I didn't manage to get him the medicine I threw across to him.  Some went in the water and some in the cockpit. I could see his head and hands moving and he could see me, which was a great moment and must have reassured him.  I shouted to him.  What is difficult for me is being so close and yet not being able to help him.  I can see a difference psychologically since I arrived and the fact that I'm near him is a support for him.  I'm stubborn and Yann too, as we're both Bretons.  I have no qualms about the race.  I'm here and I'm just relieved to see he is reassured.”

Armel Le Cléac'h (Brit Air):  “Slightly calmer conditions than 48 hours ago, but wind strengthening again, as a new front arrives.  Very hard to hear about Yann Eliès.  The Indian was not very kind to the Vendée Globe racers.  We didn't have any major storms, but there was a lot of damage.  I received the distress signal from the Maritime Agency and checked to see whether I should head for them, even if it meant sailing upwind, but Sam was able to get there more easily.  There are two giant icebergs near Jean Le Cam, so I have gybed.  The race comes after safety so even if it is not a good strategy I'm gybing. I haven't looked at the rankings and am just concentrating on getting out of the Indian safely.  I think I share the same vision as Vincent and we both reacted in the same way.   We're certainly not pushing the boats 100% in these conditions.  I'm pleased about where I am.”

Sébastien Josse (BT):  It's not  a little injury Yann has.  It's rather scary, when you hear that sort of news, so I'll be even more cautious now.  The Pacific should offer better conditions, as seas are less confused. Off New Zealand, there may be a change in the situation, as leaders slowed.

Vincent Riou (PRB): I have some bad weather here, but my thoughts go out to Yann first of all.   What has happened to him is the worst that can happen to a sailor. I don't get upset seeing boats damaged, but when someone is injured it's awful.  We're in a sport where luck plays an important role.  When we sail in difficult seas with very fast boats, the risks increase dramatically. For Yann, the coming hours are not going to be easy. We feel powerless. I hope he will be taken off quickly.  The priority is to give help to others, so to Yann. His accident changes the atmosphere in the race. No one is going to want to go all out, while Yann's situation is still ongoing.  We'll be relieved when he is rescued.

Infos précédentes :