Vendée Globe

March 12. 2009 at 07:25Two months of work on Safran

Work on Safran is due to be completed in late April. She is undergoing what is described as an "ordinary refit", apart from the repairs concerning the keel and mast. Her first keel was sent to a specialist company in Italy, where it will be fitted with a new head. Meanwhile, a new bulb is being built in Spain. It will all be put together in the Larros boat yard and is due to be delivered in late April. As for the repairs to the mast following the damage to the mainsail track, the whole surface was consolidated using composites and strengthened around the reefing points. The repairs to the mast will be carried out in France. The boat is undergoing a thorough check-up with everything being taken apart and examined, and if necessary replaced. To finish, the team will be giving the hull a coat of paint, which is going to take some time, as there is a huge surface to sand down. The goal is to finish by the end of April, after a refit lasting two months.

March 10. 2009 at 15:19Rich on the podium

Rich decided it would be right to make his speech in French.  Here are some of the highlights of what he said this afternoon on the podium.

"For me there are 2 Vendee Globes, the one fought at sea, where there were lots of great skippers, particularly French ones. And then the Vendée Globe on dry land. We have a new president, but if we look back to our third president, Thomas Jefferson, he was an Ambassador to France and was inspired by France. My experience confirms his beliefs. During the preparation for 4 months I was always encouraged by French people. They came and spoke to me on the pontoons or when I was preparing the boat. Their words of encouragement came back to me, when I was in one storm after another. I shall always remember how their words of encouragement helped me through those difficult times. And of all of the adventures, I'll especially remember my arrival back in France.
I was asked at the start, if I knew how tough it was going to be whether I would have taken part. I said I would reply afterwards. For me, this was not just a race, but something else too. It was all for my schools' programme, Sites Alive, so the difficulties were worth it for all the lessons and essays I sent back. This was an incredible race, particularly for Michel Desjoyeaux. We had some amazing e-mails from him during our voyage. "

March 10. 2009 at 14:22Rich heading for the harbour

Thousands of people have turned out to welcome Rich back to les Sables.  He is looking extremely tired and was rather reluctant to leave his cockpit and wave to the crowds.  

March 10. 2009 at 14:11Coming into the channel

Rich Wilson is heading into the channel now, and should reach the entrance in the next ten minutes. The pier heads are crowded with people waiting to welcome him in. He still has a deep reefed main at the moment and is just dropping it 500metres off the entrance. It is a little grey/gray and overcast now but Rich was lucky to finish in pleasant sunshine. It is pretty chilly again and he is fully wrapped up with a knitted hat on and full foul weather gear. And he is in the channel now and is on the foredeck acknowledging the cheers of the thousands of people who have turned out. He does look very tired but quietly elated.....

March 10. 2009 at 13:43Rich crosses the line

Rich in the cockpit as he crosses at 12h43 19s GMT  He remained completely passive as Sylvie Viant announced he had crossed the line

March 10. 2009 at 13:37Rich's family alongside

A mile and a half to the line.Surfing along nicely on 7-8 foot swell. Sisters and family are alongside.  Rich looking very pleased to see them.  Norbert Sedlacek's team are also out on the water to greet him.  His boat is not showing any obvious signs of damage

March 10. 2009 at 13:32Rich Wilson two and a half miles to the finish

One big spectator boat out.  Probably because of the weather and time, few spectators for the finish.    Friends and family approaching in a big RIB with stars and stripes lining up to be in the photo shots.  

March 10. 2009 at 13:24Rich Wilson approaching the finish

Rich is smiling from his cockpit and able to see the first boat come alongside.  Currently under staysail with double reefed main.  He is currently sailing at about ten knots towards the finish.  3.5 miles from the line.  Approaching directly from the west he can see the whole of Les Sables ahead of him.  The first 3 or 4 boats are approaching him and the first stars and stripes are being raised. 

March 10. 2009 at 13:067 miles to go

Conditions are pretty grim out on the water.  The media boats are just heading out to meet Rich Wilson.  The conditions are in fact similar to those experienced at the start, although the temperature is a few degrees higher. 

March 10. 2009 at 12:56Rich approaching Les Sables

The weather is dull and overcast with light rain.  The wind is 18-20 knots and the seas are short and rather unpleasant this morning off Les Sables. Rich is currently 8 or 9 miles from the finish