Armel Le Cléac’h faces a difficult 24 hours ahead. Leading the fleet of ten boats now left on the water and on target for second place overall, 1107 miles, the Brit Air skipper is expecting 40-45 knots of NW’ly winds with six metre cross seas growing to nine metre seas.
He may only be two to three days from the finish but he will get a reminder that the North Atalantic is often a nasty place in February.
Marc Guillemot and Sam Davies go their separate ways. West for Guillemot is a long way round but a long term investment policy for Marco, for Sam short term gains with some pain later as she tries to squeeze through on the inside track, cutting the corner. Sam is 151 miles ahead.
Brian Thompson is 230 miles behind Safran, making 12 knots at the moment in the trades but again is pretty evenly matched for speed with Dee who in turn is now 303 miles behind Thompson and 414 miles ahead of Arnaud Boissières.
Steve White is in the South American ‘doldrums’ squalls and calms on Toe in the Water, while Rich Wilson has survived a nasty episode when an autopilot linkage failed in 30-35 knots of wind which built very suddenly.
Armel Le Cléac’h (Brit Air): Strong winds forecast later today. Some of the strongest winds he will have seen in the Vendée Globe, but should be better tomorrow. The seas are already rough and this is limiting his sped as the boat is slamming. Already 35 knots and 45 knots expected this evening. It is the sea in particular, which is the problem. ETA will depend on tonight’s progress Friday or maybe early on Saturday
Sam Davies (Roxy) Same conditions as past 5 or 6 days, but not slamming so much. Sailing at about 10 knots in 15 knots of wind. I’m looking at the charts to see whether I made the right choice on this track. I think it’s good and I should get through without being held up too much. Incredible performance from Bilou to have sailed so far without his keel. Happy to say Roxy still in good condition, in spite of three months at sea and some nasty conditions. Looking forward now to finishing. Once she has finished, she thinks she will fall asleep. ETA Morning of Wednesday 11th . A lot of food left, so has had to throw away some food (after taking it out of wrappers).
Marc Guillemot (Safran): Sees this option as an investment for the future. For the moment losing ground but hopes to get around the high and pick up favourable winds sooner. Although has more redress than Sam, wants to continue the fight on the water. Encountered some boats from Transquadra and heard them talking on the VHF. Worried about the fact that the VHF signal doesn’t go far. Once around the outside of the high, he hopes a more direct route. ETA 12th February (Thursday). Rationing his food although no serious problem. Missing fresh fruit and vegetables. Doesn’t have anything growing like Sam, who has seeds growing. His favourite dish is oysters, so looking forward to that for finish.
Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas): Has seen some dolphins; squalls and variable conditions, but seems to be stabilising now with a steadier wind. Very hot so in T-shirt, but heat doesn’t bother him. 65 miles from the Equator.
