Vendée Globe

November 16. 2008 at 16:11Getting in and out

"The important thing is to be in the right pack, the actual positioning is less an issue. It's very satisfying to have sailed well, to have taken the right options. Then again, it's not like we have been the first ones to enter the Southern Ocean.  The Doldrums still have to be crossed and that could wipe out our lead.  The passage through the Cape Verde Islands is another story.  There are several ways in and out, so  it's an interesting tactical moment."  Sébastien Josse (BT).

November 16. 2008 at 16:05News of Raphael Dinelli (Fondation Ocean Vital).

It was noticed that Fondation Ocean Vital had been making slow headway since yesterday evening and her course was rather erratic.  Contacted by telephone, Raphael Dinelli confirmed that as he was becalmed, he preferred to lower his sails, which were flapping around. In such circumstances the wear and tear on the sails and equipment can be significant, and  he has only just begun his round the world voyage, which is likely to last at least 80 days.  Taking advantage of the sunshine, Raphaël was able to check his batteries were charging correctly (using chiefly his solar panels) and that the results match the expectations of the designers.

 

November 16. 2008 at 14:02Words don't come easy

"Talking on the link-up for the radio session is a complicated task. I wouldn't go as far as Loïck and say that it was downright rude to disturb me on my boat, but it's just that sometimes it's rather difficult to find the words to explain what is going on aboard the boat, what is happening in the race and how I feel. Anyway, just now, I was asked what I thought about the pace of the race after one week at sea.  I was incapable of uttering the slightest sensible answer.  I just repeated the same thing over and over: a miserable performance.  It's not going to stop me from getting any sleep, but it's just that I feel that I didn't quite manage to convey my thoughts to you, which really annoys me."

Some thoughts about Kito de Pavant:
"I can remember hugging him on the day of the start and telling him to take care...
I still haven't called him, because I don't have the courage and I'm afraid that it will bring the bad memories flooding back.  It's a good example of the commitment you find in this race.  For a moment your reason returns and you ease off.  I feel so sad for the friends, who are back on dry land and there's my natural reserve too.  So, maybe Kito will read these words ...and Yannick, who has given his all to this crazy chase.  I know they will bounce back, as they've got the inner strength it takes.  Then, there's Marco! Usain Bolt can win the 100m Olympic sprint with his laces undone, but Thiercelin cannot win the Vendée Globe without a mast... Marc is a great bloke."

Jérémie Beyou (Delta Dore)

 

November 16. 2008 at 13:17Steve White Dolphin Friendly

An excerpt from the Steve White Blog today, all well on board Toe in the Water. Steve took time to inspect the front watertight compartments in the bow sections of the boat, and found them......watertight, a pleasing result since he had removed many deck fittings during their hasty refit in Les Sables d'Olonne

" I had to take the spinnaker down for a while to do some work on the end of the bowsprit, we wheren't moving very much anyway, so I figured then was as good a time as any. We had a new arrangement for the bit of string that holds the spinnakers out at the end of the bowsprit using a stainless steel ring for the rope to pass through rather than a nice block, and the ring was hacking it's way through my nice new peice of string! I got into the bosun's chair, put on a headtorch and hauled myself out to the end of the bowsprit and started sorting things out. It was flat calm by this point, and I was engrossed in what I as doing, with my backside two feet above the water so you can imagine my surprise when a dolphin surphaced to breathe right underneath me - I could have touched him, and I was close enough to get a good blast of  his breath! I nearly jumped out of my skin I can tell you. He was about five or six feet long I suppose, although he seemed about thirty when I saw him first! He wasn't at all afraid, just curious. Wherever you sail, the groups of dolphins seem to have different characters, sometimes they stay and play, sometimes they don't, sometimes they just cross your path and don't stop at all like they're really on a mission, but these ones are still here some hours later."
 

November 16. 2008 at 10:59Pink shoes

"I've washed my hair.  I'm all clean with fresh clothes on. The only problem in this fashionable get up is my shoes!  It's great to have grabbed some sleep.  Today I took advantage of some calm to wash my hair and take a real shower with a bucket of seawater.  Life begins again today and I think tonight I'll sleep well." Sam Davies (Roxy)

 

November 16. 2008 at 07:55Dominique Wavre parked up for 4 hours

"The trade winds, which have been dying away took their last breath early in the night.  A huge cloud and then no more wind.  One last surge on a little wave and Temenos comes to a standstill.  4 hours parked up here, then the sky clears, not a single cloud, and the moon and stars appear and we're on our way again albeit very slowly, like someone getting over a touch of the trade winds...
It's very light, but at least in the right direction.  Let's just hope it lasts!"

Dominique Wavre on Temenos2.

November 16. 2008 at 07:44Norbert Sedlacek's log

"Perfect sailing conditions, but a few minor problems, which give you things to do even on the best of days. Since yesterday I've been busy trying to see what is wrong with the water maker.  There doesn't appear to be any signs of damage, yet it's only producing around 10% of its theoretical capability. I hope to find the solution by tomorrow.  Will let you know.  Up until now have spent about seven hours with the tools out trying to understand what's wrong."  
Norbert on Nauticsport-Kapsch

 

November 16. 2008 at 07:14Message from Derek Hatfield

As I write this note, Cape Finisterre is visiable out the port side and I am just about to jibe to the south and continue chasing Bernard. I've been able to make some headway on him as I brought in the new wind from the north. I suspect though he will have slipped away after turning the corner as it is a much better wind angle as we head south. Next goal for me is to pass west of Madeira and to make some more time on the tail end of the fleet. More soon.
Take Care
Derek (Algimouss-Spirit of Canada)
 

November 16. 2008 at 07:05Message from Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia)

"The night time is the time to get some sleep too.  In spite of being tossed around. The sea is all over the place, so the boat is finding it difficult to keep a steady speed. As soon as she takes off, a wave comes at us diagonally to counteract the power of the wind; so she tries again and the same thing happens. A bit annoying.  So, as a a consequence, it's difficult to now which sail is the most suitable in the circumstances, which is why I'm sleeping. Can't remember any of my dreams or my nightmares. I must be sleeping well.  Time for another one.  That will mean I'll be in great shape when it's time to go to church."
Mich

November 16. 2008 at 06:58Message from Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas)

"Hi there, Fine weather and beautiful seas. Great night out heaving on the ropes on one side and the other, playing with the air currents; the veranda has been opened up to let some air in. The heat will be stifling later today (better make the most of it!).  Today is Sunday, so time for a shave and then the sun cream goes on."
Arnaud