Vendée Globe

December 20. 2008 at 16:01Nasty scare for Derek

"Finally, I am around the Kerguelen Islands; it seemed to take forever and a lot of work jibing downwind to get by. It looks like an interesting place to visit from the charts but after Bernard’s and Dominique’s experience, I will probably pass this time. I had a nasty scare last night when I tried to start the engine to charge the batteries and all that came from the engine was the sickening sound of the starter clicking trying to kick in but not enough power to do so. I rushed to turn all the surplus instruments off, at this point the chart plotter was the only extra piece running and tried the engine again and it started. I was sh ocked as there is no way to jump start the engine and I was thinking that a visit to Kerguelen might be in the cards after all. Further investigation revealed a loose wire on the starter motor and not an under charge situation. Whew, another disaster averted. There are so many small mechanical things that hold the race in the balance."
Derek Hatfield (Algimouss-Spirit of Canada) in his daily message

 

December 20. 2008 at 15:12Yann in good spirits

"He does have a broken femur, that’s clear. He’s probably got some broken ribs and he has probably got some other injuries which the doctor and his team are assessing. At the moment we’re heading north to provide him with more care ashore. He’s in good spirits though and he’s just about to ring his wife! It took about 45 minutes — probably took longer to find his passport, which he had hidden pretty well, but we got that!" 

The Commanding Officer of HMAS Arunta  talking after the successful rescue operation.  

 

December 20. 2008 at 14:39Christmas away from the family

"Had the reacher up for several hours this afternoon, much effort to get it up, much more effort to get it down when the wind built to 30 knots, one of the sail changes that shows very little result for the effort. Thinking of Yann all the time on the foredeck. For the last week, I've been wearing my helmet all the time on deck, and now I'm even wearing it down below, at these high surge speeds. Spoke with my mother and sister back in Boston today. Quite emotional for me, as my mother is 92. She is the original adventurer in our family, having moved from Seattle to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1938.  Should I be so far away at Christmastime? I have two goals, finish the racecourse, and deliver a great school program. But do those outweigh family? In light of Yann's terrible distress, all questions are valid."
Rich Wilson (Great American III) in his daily message

 

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.