Escoffier returns to France. Vendée Globe: update 10Dec20

Kevin Escoffier is on dry land in Port, La Reunion (France). He’s pictured with Commandant Barbe after being rescued by the French Navy, when his IMOCA PRB broke in two.

Vendée Globe leaders Charlie Dalin and Thomas Ruyant are contemplating a relatively smooth ride to Australia’s Cape Leeuwin, now the worst of the Indian Ocean is behind them.

For almost ten days, the leading peloton of eleven solo sailors followed by Romain Attanasio and Clarisse Cremer, have been aboard the Southern express train which has dealt many, many stressful moments along the way. Add the infernal noise inside their boats, shaken around by violent movements, these men and women have shown a remarkable ability to adapt to the situation. They have had to get used to life in this aggressive environment.

For Jérémie Beyou, there is now the chance to finally start making inroads into the fleet with his fast foiling latest generation Charal. After re-starting nine days after the fleet left Les Sables d’Olonne, Beyou is 130 miles behind 27th placed Sébastien Destremau (Merci) and should pass sometime today or tomorrow.


Hear from (sardine-eating) skippers


Pip Hare is feeling reflective

“If you had asked me to close my eyes before the start of the race and imagine what I would be doing during my first week in the Indian Ocean, today would not have been anywhere close to my visualisation. Once again we are bereft of the big breeze to push us East, the skies have been clear and I even had my shorts back on in the middle of the day today. It’s been hot.

“The last two days it has felt like my race has been on pause. I have struggled along at a walking pace, stuck in my own little weather vacuum while the boats ahead and the boats behind all make up their miles in their own weather systems.

“I know I am not alone, the whole fleet is having a hard time with weather systems not quite as we had hoped.

“As ever I am trying to use my time wisely. Today I made some sail repairs, taking out each one of my downwind sails, inspecting them for damage, adjusting leechlines, repacking them with care. I dropped the mainsail and put patches on a couple of areas I had noticed were being rubbed by the lazy jacks. There is always enough to do, and I have tried to make it my objective for Medallia to be in the best form when the breeze does arrive so we can make the most of every extra knot of wind with no concerns.

“I will accept the conditions I have and make best use of them whatever that looks like. This race is not just about speed, it’s about strength, knowledge, discipline and keeping your cool. There are many, many ocean miles to come, many opportunities, many pitfalls I just need to be ready to take them on.” (09.40 10Dec20)


Miranda Merron is aiming to be in the Indian Ocean before the end of the year

Merron’s team says she has enjoyed beautiful conditions since yesterday and she ‘lined-up beautiful speeds all night, competing with her two most direct opponents, Alexia Barrier and Clément Giraud’.

She’s enjoying many daily cups of tea and seabirds are accompanying her ride.

“Nice to have a little wind and make miles in the right direction,” Merron says. “Maybe we’ll make it to the Indian Ocean before the end of the year! We are on the north edge of a vast depression, the centre is hundreds of miles south of here somewhere in Antarctic. There are often dozens of small birds following the boat – it might be the wake of the boat that makes it easier to hunt?”


Watch yesterday’s round-up by race organisers


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