Vendée Globe: update 24Nov20

Charlie Dalin (pictured on Apivia) is now leading after out manoeuvring his rival Thomas Ruyant (LinkedOut). He is one of ten different leaders since the solo non-stop race round the world started on Sunday 8th November.

Hear from the skippers around the fleet:

Alex Thomson is sailing again

After remaining purposely slowed in light winds to effect repairs, Thomson is sailing again.

He spent around 48 hours dealing with a complicated series of repairs to the main central longitudinal support beam towards the bow of Hugo Boss.

In a video message yesterday, Thomson offered a guide to the situation he was dealing with.

“The problem is fairly significant. The central longitudinal is broken in several places. The good news is we carry so many materials to fix this kind of thing, c plates, solid panels, and even girders, we have plenty of materials to fix it and the other bit of good news is that I am not in the Southern Ocean. I am in the middle of the Saint Helena High and so have good conditions to be able to do the job and the other good news is I feel super positive and happy to crack on to get this job done and get back in the race as soon as possible. So I don’t feel sad. It could take another day or so to do the repair and the engineers and designers are absolutely confident the boat will be as strong if not stronger than before.”

Watch Thomson’s repairs part one (13.45 23Nov20) :

And, part two (17.06 23Nov20):

Pip Hare leads the chasing pack as she crosses the Equator

After two days of dodging squalls in the doldrums, Pip Hare crossed the Equator at the front of the chasing group in the late afternoon yesterday (23Nov20).

“We’re finally in the Southern hemisphere. It’s a momentous occasion – I’m really happy to be here. And to be in 20th position as I cross – when I’m in one of the oldest boats in the fleet – is brilliant.

“So far it’s been a race of ups and downs – literally. I’ve had to climb the mast – something I hate doing, I’ve had some fabulous, fast sailing, and I’ve battled through the doldrums.

“The hardest part so far has been the lack of sleep over the last few days. The doldrums is an area notorious for having no wind, but is peppered with nasty little squalls that bring strong winds from random directions, so you’re either rolling around uncomfortably, or running about on deck changing sails and setting a new course when the squalls come over. So there’s no time for much sleep and I’m exhausted.

“But now Medallia and I are in the South East trades and flying South. We’re having a nice little race with three other boats, which is helping to keep me focussed. I’m determined to enjoy this next stage before we enter the Southern Ocean – somewhere I’ve never been and which is known for its storms, cold temperatures and big waves. So it’s time to conserve some strength, make sure Medallia is in a good condition and prepare for some challenging conditions ahead.”

Watch as she celebrates the moment (posted 19.44 23Nov20)

Sam Davies’ team says she’s ready for south seas

Davies has made “a complete tour of the boat, structures, ropes, systems, and the boat is ready to approach the seas in the south. This exhaustive review is good, because since the start, the pace had never slowed down, including in the Doldrums, making any inspection perilous, except to slow down significantly. Sam also took the opportunity to store a restful sleep and eat well for the rest of the program.” (19.03 23Nov20)

She’s ready to “tackle the south in great shape with complete confidence in her boat.”

Miranda Merron is battling the Intertropical Convergence Zone

“What a rotten place, the Doldrums. No wonder tourism has never developed here.

“Yesterday, there were specks of character. From time to time a little gale to give hope. And it was in one of these gusts that I noticed that the boat was heeling with the wind, that I felt on my face, but the speed of the boat was only 1 knot.”

Merron had to rid the keel of a piece of tarpaulin. She was relieved it was dislodged prior to her having to enter the water, which she prefers to avoid.

She’s had a couple of visitors onboard, dragonflies and a butterfly.

“We’re 800 miles from Africa where these bugs come from, I guess. “

Watch yesterday’s round-up from Vendée Globe organisers

(17.30 23Nov20)

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