Tuesday 16th December 2008
Thomas enters the Pacific
Alone on his multihull, the skipper of Sodeb'O is racing against the clock
and he exits the tunnel that was the Indian Ocean.
Today the Maxi Trimaran Sodeb’O is leaving the rollercoaster ride that is
the Indian Ocean, where nature is capable of thwarting the efforts of both
sailors and their boats. Recent events in the Vendée Globe are painting a
rather grim image of this region with Mike Golding’s dismasting this
morning, which follows the retirements of Loïck Peyron, Dominique Wavre,
Bernard Stamm and Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty, as well as rudder damage aboard
Jean-Pierre Dick’s boat.
The skipper of Sodeb’O has reached the midway point in his circumnavigation
(350 miles away at 1500 hours). He is entering into the Pacific Ocean with a
fairly N’ly route at around 47 degrees. The skipper from La Trinité is
positioned at the front of a low, which is promising him winds in excess of
30 knots, and he is keeping an eye on an ice zone situated below New
Zealand. With encouragement from Olivier de Kersauson, support from his
partner and team, the new record holder for the most distance covered in 24
hours* knows that this round the world record is feasible, but it’s never
going to be handed to him on a plate.
Extracts from the radio session recorded at midday:
Your reaction following the announcement that Mike Golding has dismasted in
the Vendée Globe?
“We all live with the fear of breakage. I can feel that my boat is
suffering, so I’m obviously tense, wondering ultimately what is going to
give up the ghost. Sailing is a mechanical sport above all else. Knowing
when you are just on the limit and when you’ve gone beyond it is very
tricky.”
Your analysis of Michel Desjoyeaux’ startling comeback?:
“An irritated, angry Michel Desjoyeaux is forearmed! Having been neck and
neck with him, it’s difficult to keep him behind. He was shrewd and
benefited from some very favourable weather conditions. He is capable of
being above average for the duration. He knows how to be a machine and make
headway without asking himself too many questions. For me, this viewpoint is
often a source of reference.”
Why are you maintaining such a N’ly trajectory?
“Last year, an enormous sheet of ice measuring several kilometres long came
free from the Antarctic bound for the Pacific and it has since split up. We
aren’t gladiators. We aren’t in a circus and when we have information about
a risky zone we seek to avoid it. This is one of the reasons that I’m making
a more N’ly course than that of Francis at the moment.”
You are soon at the midway point in the course, how will you tackle the
second stage of the circumnavigation?
“I’ll take it as it comes, with this deficit. We knew that Francis’
trajectory up till now was exceptional and that the second half is where I’m
going to have to make gains. Doubtless there’s fairly little I can do in the
Pacific but it’s on the climb up the Atlantic where I have a chance of
making up my deficit. We estimate that there is between 3 and 4 days to be
gained over this section. The boat will have to be in perfect condition and
I will have to be in sufficiently good shape to get the most out of her.”
What is your psychological state?
“At times we had a tendency to say that all you have to do to succeed is to
attempt these records but the performance to beat today is indicative of the
sporting value of this record. Ellen and Francis had a big lead over me at
this stage. Unlike me, they didn’t have to battle with the deficit, which is
making me work a great deal on myself so as to continue to be as determined
as I am. To have the strength of character to come back is the sign of great
champions and I’m telling myself that it’s worth hanging on in there and
gritting my teeth.”
How’s your boat prior to entering into the Pacific?
“Sodeb’O is my primary satisfaction. I feel very good aboard. The better it
is the more we become one. We have become good friends who are keen to
complete this circumnavigation together! Both of us are in good condition
despite this chaotic sea. I get a real sense of pleasure at having brought
this boat to life with the whole team.”
* 628.5 covered by the Maxi Trimaran Sodeb’O at an average speed of 26.19
knots on 7th December 2008 in the Indian Ocean (awaiting approval from the
WSSRC).
AUDIO, VIDEO, IMAGES AND CARTOGRAPHY ACCESSIBLE FROM THE press zone on the
site www.sodebo-voile.com
Dominique Wavre (Temenos II):
Departure from the Kerguelen Islands scheduled tomorrow
Whilst the chaotic Indian Ocean continues to wreak havoc on the Vendée Globe
fleet, the race against the clock for the two Swiss sailors continues. It is
imperative that Bernard Stamm loads his monohull, wounded after running
aground, onto the Marion Dufresne which is set to leave tomorrow. Meantime,
on the advice of Sylvain Mondon from Météo France, Dominique will have to
have left the base in the Port aux Français, where Temenos II has been tied
up for the past three days, prior to the arrival of further violent winds
forecast to hit within the next 36 hours. The bad weather conditions on site
are hampering the smooth running of operations. Since the arrival of Temenos
II, all the TAAF team have been working around the clock and a system to
stabilise the keel has been found. Work was due to continue aboard from 0200
hours local time. The skipper hopes to be able to leave Kerguelen during the
course of the day, once the system has been put in place and validated. He
should then make for Fremantle in Australia following a 2,800 mile delivery
trip. The journey will require the utmost vigilance at all times due to the
monohull’s damaged keel.
Bernard Stamm (Cheminees Poujoulat):
The salvage operation continues
The commander of the Marion Dufresne supply vessel was contacted by the
Vendée Globe organisation this morning and he confirmed that Bernard had
succeeded in unstepping his mast and recuperating his electronics equipment.
There are 50 knots of wind on site and conditions are making the loading of
Cheminées Poujoulat onto the Marion Dufresne complicated.
Translated by Kate Jennings – Expression
|
