On December 23, a Russian Science Vessel, "Professor Khromov" came to anchor in the same bay as Bernard Stamm. Shortly after, the anchor of Cheminées Poujoulat couldn’t hold anymore, and has forced the skipper to moor to his bay neighbor to save his IMOCA.

The current situation is far from being simple for the skipper whose repairs are going to be longer time than expected because of the incessant rain. In addition to the constant moisture, a storm should arrive on December 24th. When it’ll touch the archipelago, the boat won’t be protected anymore and will risk to be drifted to the coast. The Swiss decided to sail to the south of New Zealand to find a safer shelter and to continue his repairs.

The possibility of getting fuel from the Russian ship was discarded by the skipper, determined to continue his Vendée Globe race.

A difficult choice but guided by the sense of responsibility. Bernard Stamm is determined to continue the race, just like a good sailor would do.

Bernard Stamm keeps on telling about his repairs to the race directors and a statement will be made to the jury in order to track every stages of his work on the boat.

Source: Cheminées Poujoulat