Vendée Globe

A fantastic sight for any follower of the Vendée Globe in today’s special broadcast, which included a live video link with Jean Le Cam and Vincent Riou, both at the nav station of PRB…

There was also a live video link-up with Armel Le Cléac’h, the second skipper diverted to the rescue attempt, who has now rejoined the race and was this morning sailing past Cape Horn — the famous rock clearly visible in the background! News from them and other French skippers from this morning…

Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux): He was on the phone to Vincent and felt a shock, something unusual. The boat went over, but not very violently. Thinks it may have been a container floating just under the surface. There are a lot of boats in the area. Jumped to get his clothes and survival gear. Made a little nest in the bow section. Upside down it is normal that stern is lower in the water.
Feels like someone who has just woken from a long sleep. Difficult to explain what it was like during the incident. Always had in mind that he would have to leave the boat. Didn't know how long he could stay in 10 cubic metre space.
He heard Vincent clearly once and thought he heard him again later, so thought it was time to get out. The stern section had flooded so he returned to bow, but then told himself he needed to get out. Had capsized before with Tabarly so knew that he would need to attach himself to rudder, so he took a rope with him. Thankfully Vincent saw something coming out. Once outside he told himself to grab the wind generator and immediately saw Vincent. Caught Vincent's rope after a few attempts and set about consolidating the mast and gybing straight away.

Vincent Riou (PRB): Heard shouts and guessed Le Cam’s distress. Saw that the boat was sinking into water and it would be cold and wet inside. Didn't know if he was injured or whether he would try to come out, so set up surveillance with Armel. Jean managed to hang on to boat and cling onto rudder, but Vincent wasn't sure he'd manage that if he came out. Fourth attempt was a desperate one because he was beginning to wonder whether he'd manage. Only the outrigger touched VM Matériaux. Now they are heading to the Horn and hoping to anchor this evening somewhere in the entrance to Beagle Channel. What’s next is the question he is asking, and wondering what jury will allow. Riou is hoping to drop off Jean at Ushuaia with the collaboration of Isabelle Autissier who’s in the area.

2nd - Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement): Was pleased to get regular news from the Race Directors about the rescue. A bit tired after the Southern Ocean, had squalls during the night. Mich is still annoying him, as he seems to get the best weather all the time. Disappointed about the lack of opportunities after Cape Horn. Mich has gone further east, which may pay off for him according to the charts. Very irregular winds - during the night 20-40 knots, now 15-22 knots of wind. Unfortunately he lost his crickets when he entered the Pacific!

3rd - Armel Le Cléac'h (Brit Air): Currently five miles from the Horn: the champagne is ready. Yesterday he experienced a wide range of emotions and a long wait. We did what we could. No other choice, when you're at sea. Didn't get back to race immediately afterwards as needed to rest and get over the excitement. Today he's being the tourist with his camera. Pleased to be at the Horn Thinks he will have a shave after the Falklands. Was very cloudy this morning, but clearer skies now. Now in third place, not really deserved, as others sailed better. Still a long way to go to get back to Les Sables.

6th - Marc Guillemot (Safran): Relieved with the news and impressed by Vincent Riou's achievement. Has had a very winding course, because of sail limitations. Now conditions are allowing him to sail directly down towards the Horn. Feels extremely tired after the Southern Ocean. Will be stopping just after the Horn, but more likely to be at the Falklands. His round the world voyage has been marked by islands.

 

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