|
|
Post by ronturner on Nov 8, 2020 17:05:49 GMT 1
The ultimate self isolation perhaps. Today, in gloriously perfect weather, 33 skippers set off from Les Sables d'Olonne in the Vendéé, France. Solo, non stop, round the world. the winner will be back sometime in February. Today there we no crowds. The town is usually "en fete" for the day and six weeks before. Viewing the boats in the harbour and talking to the skippers has always been a highlight of this 4 yearly event. This year, due to lockdown, nothing today and for the last two weeks, but TV coverage was great. Local pundits reckon the Brit Alex Thomson, is the one to watch. You can follow it daily, here:- www.vendeeglobe.org/en/news |
|
|
|
Post by ronturner on Dec 4, 2020 13:12:07 GMT 1
As if we did not know it already, the seas are full of junk. Already three competitors have been struck by containers, submerged just below the surface, probably resulting in their having to abandon the competition.
A fourth, Brit Alex Thomson and a race favourite, lying second at the time, had to abandon because of structural problems with his boat and a fifth was dramatically rescued after his vessel split in two in heavy seas off the cape of Good Hope. He had only minutes to evacuate but was rescued by another competitor who at the time was in second place, and now relies on the scrutineers to award him enough time points to compensate. Thanks to the miracle of modern technology the casualty was able to activate his ERPB, the race organisers were able to see it, and then direct the rescuer to the exact position. Nevertheless the rescue was in heavy seas and with sail only, manoeuvring to intercept required skill of the highest level. (Breaking the seal on the engine and starting it would result in disqualification.)
|
|
|
|
Post by ronturner on Dec 7, 2020 8:40:09 GMT 1
The transfer of Kevin Escoffier from Jean Le Cam's boat to a French Navy Frigate. Not only is it interesting and a bit exciting; I simply love the modern communications which emanate from Le Can's boat and the frigate, nicely edited. What fun these guys have, albeit with risk and demanding high skill. www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgWZ8bbsR7c&feature=youtu.be |
|
|
|
Post by ronturner on Dec 18, 2020 11:25:34 GMT 1
Fantastic images of two competitors Armel Le Cléac'h and Alex Thomson, filmed by a French frigate in the Indian Ocean in 2016 race. Alex appears about 3 minutes in on this video. Look at the speed of these guys. Is it any wonder that after 39 days, in the 2020 race, the leaders are already passing to the south of New Zealand? www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KUQdbWUCgY |
|
|
|
Post by ronturner on Jan 3, 2021 10:47:22 GMT 1
After 55 days at sea, the two leaders have passed cape Horn.
""Alone, surfing north eastwards in the grip of stormy winds and seas, passing 85 miles south of the famous solitary rocky islet, 48 year old Vendée Globe leader Yannick Bestaven finally passed Cape Horn this afternoon marking in an instant his victorious end to the relentless Southern Oceans and the start of the 7000 miles climb homewards to Les Sables d’Olonne.""
27 of the 33 starters are still in the race. In addition, Samantha Davis who retired due to damage which required having to go into port in South Africa, is now continuing the journey in order to honour promises made to various charities. In fact, although no longer a competitor, she is tucked in behind place 25 and gaining on the next group daily.
|
|
|
|
Post by ronturner on Jan 6, 2021 17:48:49 GMT 1
|
|
|
|
Post by ronturner on Jan 17, 2021 8:19:55 GMT 1
This morning, after travelling more than 25,000 nautical miles, the leading group are leaving the most eastern part of South America on the last run in back to Les Sables d'Olonne, with only 90nm separating the first six. Only 1.6nm separates the second from the leader. Jean le Cam who stopped to rescue another participant was awarded 16 hours by the race adjudicators so still has a slight chance of being placed amongst the winners. Tracking map here:- www.vendeeglobe.org/en/tracking-map |
|
|
|
Post by ronturner on Jan 23, 2021 8:35:08 GMT 1
After 27000 miles with only 1500 left to sail, the contenders for 1st and 2nd place are running neck and neck. Never has this 4 yearly race ever seen such a close finish.  Screenshot (305) by Ron Turner, on Flickr |
|
|
|
Post by ronturner on Jan 28, 2021 8:12:30 GMT 1
Fantastic finish. After 80 days and 6 hours the first to cross the line at Les Sables D'Olonne was Charlie Dalin, but the event winner is third across the line, Yannick Besthaven, who was awarded time points for his part in the rescue of another competitor after his boat broke up and sank. Never has a race been so hotly contested, right to the end. To see four contenders cross the line in quick succession was thrilling even if it was in the dark hours. This unusual close finish would normally have attracted more than 100,000 supporters, but his year... only those few who are lucky enough to have a balcony to hang out of. I hope some found this interesting. Back in just under four years. This is the skipper who we were expecting to win. He was expected to cross the line third, but being another of the three skippers to assist in the rescue of Estoffier, he had 10 hours in hand. look what happened to him at the very last minute:-  Screenshot (306) by Ron Turner, on Flickr See also. www.vendeeglobe.org/en/news/22010/first-words-from-bestaven-the-new-vendee-globe-champion-there-are-two-winners-on-this-vendee-globewww.vendeeglobe.org/en/presentation |
|
