Escoffier evacuated as Thomson & Davies formally retire (VG update 7Dec20)

After being rescued from his liferaft six days ago by fellow competitor Jean Le Cam, PRB skipper Kevin Escoffier was plucked from the Indian Ocean by the French Marine National after jumping clear of his rescuer’s IMOCA 60 in a carefully choreographed manoeuvre early yesterday morning some 360 nautical miles north of the remote Crozet Islands. Escoffier was quickly taken from a semi rigid inflatable to board the 93.5 metre long (306ft) 2600 tonne Floréal-class frigate which has a complement of 84 crew.

Le Cam wished his passenger Escoffier well and continued on his race, lying in sixth position at 396 miles behind leader Charlie Dalin (Apivia).

For his time and miles lost while out of full race mode, Le Cam will be granted a time compensation by the International Jury, as also will Boris Herrmann (Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco) and Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq) who went to help in the search for Escoffier after his IMOCA suddenly split virtually into two when it buried its nose in a big wave.

Meantime, Le Cam’s request for additional food to replace that required to feed shipwrecked Escoffier was granted and the 61 year old Le Cam who enjoys fine food took a bag containing dry crisprolls, salted butter and fine Henaff Breton pate. Escoffier will be taken back to Reunion Island where the Nivôse is stationed and is due to arrive there next Friday.

Watch the transfer take place (15.11 6Dec20)

Hear from skippers around the fleet

Alex Thomson has formally retired from the race

After irreparable rudder damage put a stop to his quest for victory, Thomson arrived safely in Cape Town last Friday.

It took him almost seven days to make the 1,800nm journey to port, sailing with just one rudder.

“I’m certainly relieved to be back on dry land but I have very mixed emotions today. I’m still coming to terms with what’s happened, and I’m obviously utterly devastated that this is how the race has ended for us,” Thomson says.

“But, as I’ve said before, it’s in our toughest moments that we find our greatest strength. Now we have to pick ourselves up and move forwards, and I’ve no doubt that we can do that together as a team.

“Over the past week or so we’ve been reminded of just how difficult this race is. I’ve said it time and time again but there really is no sporting challenge in the world as tough as the Vendée Globe. I have such admiration for any skipper who takes on this race. My thoughts go out to those who, like us, have had their races cut short. And I wish the remaining skippers a safe passage and a good race. I’ll be watching closely.

“My arrival here in Cape Town marks our retirement from the race. To everyone who has sent messages – a huge thank you. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received. It means so much to us, it really does.”

Watch as Thomson addresses his supporters from Cape Town (21.06 4Dec20)

Sam Davies is overseeing repairs

Davies has officially retired from the race, following a violent collision last Wednesday evening, which caused significant damage to the framework supporting the keel of her IMOCA.

But she says she is determined to return – after making repairs with her team and experts – to complete the race course as ‘hors course’, unclassified on the solo race which forbids any kind of outside assistance.

Watch as she explains what’s happening – French with no sub-titles (21.07 6Dec20)

Pip Hare is feeling the cold bite

“There is the familiar hum coming from my rudders, the sea is roaring as it whips past my hull and once again we making miles to the East. It feels good to be moving.

“The temperature has really dropped in the last 48 hours. I am now wearing a hat and gloves all of the time and have two layers on under my foulies.

“One of the significant blows from losing a hydrogen is the fact that all of my diesel now must be reserved for power generation.

“I have a diesel heater on board which I had planned to use sparingly, but as my Southern Ocean comfort, when things got really bad and I needed a morale boost. No more dreaming of blown hot air for me, it is only going to get colder and I need to manage this with my clothing alone. I’m thankful at least that I did not skimp when it came to warm kit. I invested in merino wool underwear and thermals, I have multiple mid layers of varying types and the absolute rock bottom position is a full on woolly bear onesie, which though bulky fits under my dry suit and I have been warned will just make me too hot to sail. I think there will be days when I look forward to putting that theory to the test.”

Watch Hare get her sails from the bottom of the stack (09.11 6Dec20)

Miranda Merron is enjoying technology for comms

She uses WhatsApp via satellite to resolve technical issues with the help of her shore team (although she has to fix everything solo and unassisted).

“There’s still an awfully long way to go and it’s harsh. There’s going to be some wear and tear.”

Listen to her check-in with race organisers (09.30 6Dec20).

Watch yesterday’s round-up of the race news (6Dec20)

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