Just over 350 miles off the Brasilian coast Roland Jourdain is having his repairs given the full test as he struggles against strong headwinds. He is making just over five knots of boatspeed and a VMG of just 4.8 knots.
Leader Michel Desjoyeaux is not really much better and making just 5.6 knots VMG.
Behind them Armel Le Cléac’h will just have learned that he has been given 11 hours of redress, a time allowance for stopping to help in the rescue of Jean Le Cam and meantime is making nearly ten knots faster that the top of the table duo. This morning he was 785 miles behind the leader and tonight it is closer to 715 miles. He is about 394 miles behind Bilou.
If he could half that distance that would now –netting his redress - put him at least in touch with second place.
Sam Davies has just passed the
Receiving a caning Brian Thompson is now 650 miles to
Steve White has the final Ice Gate in his sights, he should be there tomorrow, while Rich Wilson is down at 48 degrees south and is 1150 miles to that gate.
Meantime here is a summary translation of the Jury’s decisions with regard to PRB and to BritAir. We will publish the official transcript in English when it is available.
PRB
Conclusion
During the assistance manoeuvre and during the voyage back to land, the skipper of PRB, showed good seamanship. The damage forcing him to retire from the race is a direct consequence of the operation put in place to rescue the skipper of VM Matériaux and he cannot be held responsible for it.
PRB therefore has a right to redress as laid down in Rule 62.1(c).
Decision
PRB is awarded third place as a final position in the Vendée Globe, which was the place she was in, when she started the rescue operation. The reclassification of PRB will not affect the positions or prizes awarded to the other competitors based around their order of arrival.
Brit Air
Conclusion
Brit Air has the right to redress as laid down in Rule 62.1(c).
Brit Air broke article 12.3 of Race Rules by removing the seal on the propeller shaft.
Decision
Brit Air will receive compensation of 11 hours, which will be taken off her finishing time.
As article 12.3 of race Rules was broken during a rescue operation, Britair is exonerated as laid down in Rule 62.1(c).
However the skipper must put in place a system to show at the finish that the propeller shaft has not moved. Photos of the system must be sent to the Race Directors.
