Vendée Globe

PRB arrived in Port Williams, the ‘southernmost town in the world’ at around 0930 hrs this morning.

As well as the loss of the rig, there is some damage to the stanchions and deck of PRB. There is very little locally which they can access to affect any kind of repairs and they are now on military property. Peurto Williams is a mainly naval town of just about 2000 people mainly Naval personnel.

At the front of the fleet Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement) and leader Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) are now separated by over 250 miles west to east. Jourdain is a little slower, but 20 or so miles further north and closer to the rhumb line – such as it is a very theoretical one at the moment where the next waypoint is judged to be Cape Finisterre.

Sylvain Mondon of Météo France said this morning, “It’s a complicated weather situation for leaders.  The high pressure system from South  America is combining with one further north in two days time will block the route for two frontrunners. Forecasters cannot say whether it is best to east or west. Veolia Environnement is heading north to reduce time spent in high, whereas Foncia is trying to benefit from winds for the moment.  Only if seriously slowed down will it enable Armel to catch up, but he will then face the same situation.

So Mich Desj living for today, cashing in while he can, while Bilou is speculating a little more.

Here’s a round up of what the French speaking skippers said this morning:

Vincent Riou (PRB "We were in the process of manoeuvring to enter the Beagle Channel and the temporary chain plate that we had set up on the port side failed.  The mast fell straight into the water. There was nothing we could do but leave it, as there were choppy seas. It was dangerous to try to do anything.  Last night we were taken in tow by the Chilean Navy and we've just arrived in Puerto Williams. We sailed for 250 miles with the repairs that we'd carried out to the rig and we only had 50 left.  It's one of those things. Now, we have to get some rest, sort out our customs problems, which is not going to be easy.  The most important thing is not making any rash decisions.  Physically we're tired, but that's not really new.  Both Jean and me, our arms are just hanging at our sides.  This is the straw that broke the camel's back.  We're going to have to live with it but after all the other problems I had last year (partially dismasted in Barcelona World Race, hit sea mammal in Artemis Transat and had to abandon).... It feels like  history is repeating itself. We're temporarily moored at a naval pontoon. Now, we're going to have to find somewhere to moor to ensure the boat is safe."

Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia): Sailing along at decent speeds.  Was at 22 knots a while ago. 25-30 knots of wind.  During the night was fairly variable.  He thinks he had the time to head east as he was ahead of Bilou, so pleased about that.  Doesn't think weather is complicated.  Should get through without being held up, but keeps thinking of 8 years ago, when St. Helena held him up.  Planned this after the Horn.  Off the Falklands Bilou was forced to take a different route.  Will only find out at the end of next week which is the right option.  For the next few days light downwind sailing requiring a  lot of work.  No serious damage, so for the boat should be able to take him back to Les Sables.  Warmer seas already (15°).  Very rapid change after a few days ago. No problem getting wet in these temperatures.   It's a pity that Vincent's boat was damaged in rescue.  He has suffered another stroke of bad luck.

Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas): 30 knots of wind on the beam, so sailing between 15-18 knots.  Identical route to Dee and although he just passed her, she could overtake  again in these conditions.  Rough weather forecast for middle of next week, so hopes to get around the Horn before that. Is in contact by mail with Dee.  In nicer weather over past few days has been able to be at the helm, but in most of south left that to the autopilots

Raphaël Dinelli (Fondation Ocean Vital):  3 or 4 days ago, was hit by a deep low.  Seas remained rough from that although the wind eased off. During the night was sailing upwind in light winds with a westerly swell still in place.  Had some sunshine though, which enabled him to recharge batteries.  Wants to stay in contact with Norbert Sedlacek, rather than confront the Pacific alone, so postponing pit stop he had planned at Stewart Island. Will now have to wait until after the Horn. Feeling better today after a difficult series of weather systems and repair jobs at end of 2008.  Had considered abandoning the race in Australia.

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