First three skippers are over halfway
The first three Vendée Globe boats are now into the Pacific Ocean and have passed the midpoint of the race course. Yannick Bestaven, in Maître Coq IV, has held the lead for over 24 hours now, more than 100 miles up on Thomas Ruyant on LinkedOut.
Eighth placed, Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée 2), plans to stop on remote Macquarie Island to make repairs this weekend. Previously in second place, he’s so frustrated with the numerous issues not allowing him to push the boat to its max, that he’s decided to stop briefly to sort things out. As per the rules, he must do so unassisted.
Burton explains: “I need to climb to the top of the mast with the mainsail down. I have tried several times, but the problem is there is always a residual swell and because I had to get the mainsail down on the deck, there was no support and I got whacked in the face each time. My idea is to go and shelter to the east of Macquarie Island, so that should protect me from the wind and swell. I can go up the mast to cut away the mast track, which is damaged and then replace it. Then, I’ll climb to the very top, as the hooks are broken. I shall be setting up attachment points to fix a classic halyard for the mainsail, so that I will be able to use my mainsail correctly.”
Meanwhile, ashore, Kevin Escoffier, the skipper rescued from the South Indian Ocean by Le Cam visited Race HQ in Les Sables d’Olonne to give his thanks to Race Direction for their role in his rescue.
Escoffier recalled how little time he had to get off PRB and how his safety grab bag was too low in the hull, already under water and sealed according to the rules, as well as tied down, making it too inaccessible to cut free. He therefore entered his liferaft with nothing but his survival suit. It was only minutes between the time he messaged his team and was washed off the broken boat.
“I know how long it takes to put on the survival suit and I know that I sent the text to my team at 1446hrs and they responded to me at 1447hrs. There was one minute, and I never saw their reply. In one minute I had the time to go inside to grab my survival suit and send the text and in that time everything inside the boat was floating.”
Hear from the skippers around the fleet
Pip Hare doesn’t have a drone, does have a selfie stick
Watch as hare enjoy life in the Southern Ocean. (19.25 17Dec20)
Sam Davies is enjoying the sunshine and fresh food
On the menu today, onboard Initiatives Coeur is fresh avocado, spread on fresh bread, in the sun and on the ‘terrace’. (10.02 18Dec20)
No update from Miranda Merron today, but she’s maintaining her 23rd position 4098nm behind leader Yannick Bestevan.
Watch yesterday’s round-up from race organisers
