Vendée Globe

The leading pack are looking forward to the Cape, and hoping to spring a surprise in the Atlantic.

A special radio session today, including a live video link with leader Michel Desjoyeaux on Foncia, first to round Cape Horn early this morning (see VIDEO section later today). Also news from the chasing bunch: Bilou, Riou and Le Cam, plus repairs looming for Safran…
2nd - Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement): I can see the Horn coming up! Now it's grey and a squall coming. Pleased to see the Cape. Since yesterday though it has been nice seeing the albatrosses and seas have been calmer. Nice to be turning left to stop punishing the boat. Have some cracks in my hands, but always uses gloves for manoeuvres. Impatient to get outside after being confined inside for so long. But it’s not going to be easy ahead. A nice gap built up over those behind, but remains prudent. Doesn't yet know which route he will take immediately after the Horn.
3rd - Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux): 12-35 knots of wind making it a very complicated night. Today it's the squalls that are making it difficult. Huge squalls, which you have to keep watching — no sleep allowed but doesn't feel as tired as 4 years ago, because he hasn't had the stress of icebergs. The Horn is coming up, so isn't going to start crying now! Already a feat to be in the race still. Only one day left before the Horn. Has seen the Southern Star and it really shines!
4th Vincent Riou (PRB): Rough cross-seas but above all variable conditions — 25-35 knot winds and cold wind. Roughly 48 hours behind leader at Cape Horn, but weather will decide when exactly he rounds. Different from last time, but this time was probably more like normal conditions. Has a lot of work to do just after the Horn. The South really continues until they start to leave the South Atlantic. There will be a group of three with Jean joining them for the battle in the Atlantic — hoping for a surprise…!
7th - Marc Guillemot (Safran): Was thinking of maybe stopping, but that has now become absolutely necessary. The screws keeping the mast track in place are not holding it in place. After the repair at second reef, it’s ripped off on third reef. Currently fixed at third reef. Needs to put in place bigger screws. May be doing a pit stop where Bilou stopped after the Horn, but that depends on the weather. The second possibility is the Falklands. Rounding the Horn gives you the impression that you are going home. Well done, Michel — he's done a Desjoyeaux! Very clever choices in his strategy and great sailing since he returned to the race. Not easy to judge the Jury’s redress compensation, but he’s satisfied with their judgment and thinks they have done a good job as it’s fair.

 

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