Sturmvideo
11/13/2009
BRITISH SKIPPER RULES OUT PITSTOP AFTER EXTREME CONDITIONS HIT FLEET
Sam Davies and co –skipper Sidney Gavignet continue on best direct route to finish as winds continue to batter them...
Visit http://www.artemisoceanracing.com for more information on the team and latest news
To download latest videos and photos from onboard Artemis Ocean Racing, please visit ftp://www.ocftp.com/ (Username: artemis / Password: aor100)
Please register at the Media Zone for all media collateral: http://www.artemisoceanracing.com/en/mediazone/
With storm-force conditions in excess of 55 knots overnight, Sam Davies onboard Artemis Ocean Racing this morning reported further damage to the boat. Sam called the shore team at 1030 GMT this morning to report: “We have lost a mainsail batten (third down from the top) which flew out of the sail, the third reef pin on the boom has gone and our main Iridium handset is broken – either water-logged or from the shock of the boat pounding through the waves.”
None of the damage is terminal but the loss of the mainsail batten will compromise their race performance, however in a call at 1700 GMT today, Sam confirmed that after much consideration there is no plan to stop for repairs, but instead to press on in the best direct route to the finish.
Sam said: “We've now had a look at it and think we can do a better repair at sea and although we will lose some time, we won't lose as much as if we deviate from our route to Azores or Madeira. So we've taken the decision to carry on - a little bit handicapped but knowing that we are probably not the only ones in the fleet who are struggling.”
The conditions assaulting the IMOCA fleet in the Transat Jacques Vabre are extreme to say the least with 55-60 knots battering the fleet as well as a difficult sea state. Going on deck is dangerous, below is not much easier as the skippers get thrown around. Overnight Sam sent an email from the boat describing the situation: “Hello from Artemis right in the middle of a very mean and nasty low pressure! Wind speed is currently 48.7 knots, we have had max 55 knots so far, and are not yet through it but hopefully another 1 or 2 hours and we will have escaped. Three reefs and staysail is a bit too much sail but that is the smallest we have. The staysail is currently trying to rip itself to shreds. Please, please let it make it through as we really don't want to have to deal with a shredded staysail too!!”
We have eased the keel to near centre-line to ease the load off everything. Sidney and I are dressed in our oilskins and ready to jump on deck but we'd rather not have to and for now Artemis is doing a sterling job hanging in there. Staying in the bunk is impossible due to the giant wave-jumping action going on. Catnaps on the floor (where you can't fall any further) are the only rest tonight for now. And even then you find yourself airborne on regular occasions…”
Other boats in the IMOCA 60 fleet have also suffered at the hands of the extreme weather, the worst affected has been the BT IMOCA monohull which activated its distress beacon having suffered major damage to the coachroof. Skippers, Sébastien Josse and Jean-Francois Cuzon, are in regular contact with the Race Direction team as they await rescue. It has also been confirmed that Veolia Environnement (Roland Jourdain and Jean-Luc Nelias) is heading to the Azores to try and repair damage to their mast track – the same damage incurred by Brit Air in the opening stages of the race that resulted in their retirement.
Although battling with their own issues, Sam and Sidney’s thoughts are also very much with the marooned skippers, Sam said: “It's always the same when you hear that another competitor is in serious trouble and especially when we heard that this morning we were having our own problems but they suddenly seemed insignificant compared to what Jo Jo and Jeff [Sébastian Josse and Jeff Cuzon] are having to go through. You fear for their safety as even if they are fine their boat is dangerous, and we're in the right place to know what they are going through. It's pretty heinous even when your boat is in one piece as Artemis is and going along safely, it still feels dangerous.”
- Ends -
|
