Oceanracing 2007 - Rekordfahrt von Francis Joyon mit Trimaran IDEC

Rekordversuch von Francis Joyon mit Trimaran IDEC
www.trimaran-idec.com - Übersicht

Saturday 12th January 2008
Looking for the compromise between risk and record

It was in all senses an apocalyptic day yesterday for Francis Joyon on the 49th day of his attempt at the round the world sailing record. The almost by chance discovery of some serious damage to the fixation of his starboard shroud threw the skipper of IDEC into doubt and contemplation. An enterprising man of action, Francis climbed to the top of the 32-metre mast on three occasions in just a few hours, in cross seas, which shook him about violently. With a makeshift repair holding it temporarily in place, the offending shaft still seems to be supporting the load and, gradually, the amazing Mr. Joyon is regaining his confidence to the extent that this morning he slowly hoisted some more sail to put on some more speed, as the wind comes around to the NE’ly trade. Vigilance is still very much the watchword and caution still required. That can be seen in the mind of the sailor from Locmariaquer as he finds a compromise between risk and record. Injured, bruised, on board a yacht sailing to 60% of her capacity, Francis Joyon has not given up.

Just two hours yesterday afternoon after climbing twice up the mast, Francis Joyon tackled the climb again, in spite of a painful ankle, in order to secure as best he could this shaft, to which the starboard shroud is fixed. What needed to be done was to block the spindle from working loose, as if it fell off, it would certainly lead to the collapse of the mast. "I blocked it as best I could with some Spectra" explained Francis, after trying in vain to screw it back up. This large spindle requires special tools and work conditions, which the single-handed yachtsman at sea does not have. "I’ll certainly have to go back up again to strap it with some ropes," continued Francis, who found the time to chat with the makers of the mast, as well as the yacht’s designers, Nigel Irens and Benoit Cabaret. From their conversations, there was some slightly reassuring news: "In the current state of play, the 32 mm spindle still in place is enough to bear the load," summed up Francis. "But we need to stop it from unscrewing at all cost..." A little dab of ointment, some analgesics and Francis forgot about his injured ankle and the bruises caused by being hurtled against the mast. On the starboard tack in a very northerly trade yesterday, which is gradually veering, IDEC is becoming a little more adventurous and throughout the day will bring her bows around towards Brest to get back on the direct course. "The wind was due north yesterday, as we left the Doldrums," explained Joyon, "And I was heading for Bermuda. The wind is gradually veering towards the east at around twenty knots and I’m slowly luffing." The competitive spirit is alive and kicking in spite of the difficulties and Francis admits: "I let out a reef this morning. I’m currently sailing with two reefs and staysail, which is exactly the canvas required in this weather..." Correctly configured on a route that is getting better and better, IDEC, may be a bit down, but she is certainly not out. "I’ll be sailing now trying constantly to find the compromise between risk and performance," stressed Francis. "I should be experiencing these conditions for three or four days. Then it will be time to take the crucial decision about changing tack to get around the Azores high and pick up the westerlies..." A crucial moment, as the manoeuvre required to change tack will impose some strain on the shroud. "It is when it is no longer under strain that the spindle risks moving." Jean-Yves Bernot’s analysis: Weather advisor on land for the IDEC trimaran, Jean-Yves Bernot has of course already included in his route calculations the damage factor that has just hit the giant red multihull: "I’m now working on a base of 75% of the boat’s theoretical polars," he explained. "IDEC is sailing at 14 knots upwind, while she should be doing 18... the good news is that strong winds are forecast right up to the finish, and Francis won’t need to hoist all his sail. The trade wind is well established and the route towards Brest reindexs the same, with the slight difference that IDEC will do it a little slower than planned. In three or four days he will have to negotiate a way through the Azores with a very strong high-pressure area. The west-south-westerly winds will then be there for him. This is a step off point he must not miss, or he will find himself with NE’ly winds for the finish. The only unknown factor in my opinion is the boat’s behaviour with the wind from astern considering the damage. »

Reminder of the records already set by the IDEC trimaran:
Start from Brest: Friday 23rd November at 10h05’52”GMT
Brest / Equator : 06 days, 16 hours and 58 minutes
Brest / Cape of Good Hope: 15 days, 7 hours and 16 minutes
Brest / Cape Leeuwin : 22 days, 15 hours and 28 minutes
Brest / Cape Horn : 35 days, 12 hours and 36 minutes
Brest / Equator : 48 days, 2 hours and 18 minutes

Indian Ocean record: 09 days, 12 hours and 03 minutes*
Pacific Ocean record: 10 days, 14 hours and 30 minutes*
Equator-Equator record: 41 days, 08 hours and 19 minutes*

*Awaiting ratification by the WSSRC