Vendée Globe

December 20. 2008 at 13:55Norbert changes his alternator

"Yet another typical Southern day. I spent some time at the helm. Then, I changed the alternator, because it seems the old one wasn't charging properly or maybe I have been using a lot of electricity.  Unfortunately, I have been unable to install the system to furl the main genoa, and so I can't use it. It would have improved my speed by 0.5 to 1 knot, but it's not reasonable to use it under these circumstances.  I can surf along too with a reef in the mainsail and the second genoa."
Norbert Sedlacek (Nauticsport-Kapsch) in his daily message

 

December 20. 2008 at 12:32Sam filmed earlier today

In her latest video sent earlier today, Sam Davies (Roxy) explained that she was too far away to reach Generali before the Australian frigate arrived, so was going to be standing down and returning to the race.  You can watch this clip by clicking here.

 

December 20. 2008 at 11:52Transfer completed

At around 1050hrs GMT Marc Guillemot confirmed live on today's radio broadcasts that the transfer of Yann Elies from Generali onto the Frigate HMAS Arunta has been completed.

Marc Guillemot, (Safran), who was on standby next to Generali, reported from the scene, saying: "Some highly professional work. They prepared Yann for the transfer. Still heavy swell but they carried out manoeuvre perfectly. Yann is now aboard the frigate and has a doctor taking care of him."

Marc was overcome by emotion, "It was like a dream. It didn't seem real. They took care of that magnificently."

The Australian frigate's RIB is now returning to Generali to pick up two crewmembers who were on board to assist with the transfer. 

December 20. 2008 at 11:25Sam should be stood down

Sam Davies, GBR, (Roxy) is waiting to be stood down, she was due to arrive early afternoon but has reported that she will wait until the minute she hears that Yann is on board the ship, but she is all stacked and ready to gybe when she hears the news.

December 20. 2008 at 10:53RIB Alongside and personnel aboard Generali

At around 0940h GMT this morning the RAN RIB arrived alongside Generali. Two personnel were despatched on board immediately to assess Yann Elies condition. There are three another people on board the RIB. The Arunta is sitting about 200 metres upwind of Generali and holding station.

"They are circling the boat.  They are in the lee of the boat.  Someone has gone aboard.  They are onboard, Yann.  A great moment!"  Marc Guillemot could not hide his joy as he described the scene to Vendee Globe race control

December 20. 2008 at 10:10Generali and Safran on the radar screen

The Royal Australian Naval Frigate HMAS Arunta is making good headway towards Generali and Safran and at 9h GMT this morning, it was reported to have picked up the two boats on its radar.

 

December 20. 2008 at 09:16Arunta on station around 0930GMT

Favourable conditions on their passage  means that the Royal Australian Navy’s Frigate HMAS Arunta is expected to be on station ready to start the evacuation of injured Vendée Globe skipper Yann Eliès at around 0930hrs GMT this morning (Saturday).

The plan, which has been put in place in cooperation with the Generali Sailing Team managers who know the layout and handling of the Open 60, with Vendée Globe race direction, with the MRCC and Royal Australian Navy, is to launch a large RIB and to go on board Generali with a stretcher and spinal splint.
It has been recommended that the keel is canted to reduce the freeboard to make to easier to lower Yann into the RIB. 

Once on board the Frigate he will be assessed by the civilian doctor on board. There are full facilites should it be decided that an immediate surgical procedure is required.

Eliès will be taken to Perth military hospital.

Generali, the Open 60, will be left by the crew and the Vendée Globe race directors will continue to monitor her position. 
The mainsail with 3 reefs will be left up but they will furl the staysail. 
Doors will be shut and the helm tied off to allow the boat to drift.

A crew Jean-Baptiste Epron and Philippe Laot, from Team Generali, have left for  Australia to go aboard a motor launch which will take them out  to the area, and they will sail her back to Southern Australia.

December 20. 2008 at 06:53Rescue team expected this morning

The Australian frigate is due to reach Generali between 9h and 9h30 UTC according to Marc Guillemot, who was in contact this morning with the crew of HMAS Arunta. However, Sam Davies is is unlikely to be there before the rescue team. She is nevertheless continuing to sail towards the zone, while awaiting further instructions.

 

December 19. 2008 at 20:05Greatest distance over 24 hours

Over the past 24 hours, Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) sailed the greatest distance towards the finish.  Between 19h yesterday and this evening, the leader, currently 12,430 miles from the finish, covered 389.6 miles.

 

December 19. 2008 at 19:19Derek in sombre mood

"It's a sombre day today as we all wait for news on Yann's condition and his pending rescue. I know myself I have gone over the scenario a dozen times trying to contemplate such a situation and it is a bit overwhelming. I know all the skippers including me wish these was something more we could do but he is in good hands and I can only hope that the situation will improve from here. The high pressue system over my left shoulder is trying to capture me so I'm sailing as quickly as possible to get past Kerguelen and onto the next gate. I am expecting some more wind tomorrow from the NW which will help the situation. It's a bit of a light day today so I'm taking the opportunity to tidy the boat up, transfer fuel into the tanks and take the errant sea water out of the boat. No matter now water tight we think the boat is, it never ceases to amaze me how much sea water finds its' way into the different compartments that otherwsise are usually bone dry."
Derek Hatfield (Algimouss-Spirit of Canada) in his daily message