19.11.2008
Gitana Eighty - Don’t think about it too much!
It’s the tenth day of racing around the world for the competitors in the
Vendée Globe 2008-2009 and the sixth in pole position for Loïck Peyron.
Though the equator is proving to be an attractive prospect for the skipper
of Gitana Eighty, experience dictates that he knows better than anyone that
nothing is set in stone. Aboard the monohull equipped by Baron Benjamin de
Rothschild, as is the case for the competition, there is something looming
on the distant horizon… the infamous Doldrums. And though the signs
heralding the entry to the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone aren’t making
their presence felt as yet, the upcoming complications are the subject of
many a conversation already.
The monohulls racing in this sixth edition of the Vendée Globe are slipping
along, though over the past few hours the scene has changed and the sailors
are having to adapt to it. Indeed this is confirmed in today’s link-up
between the skipper of the monohull in the colours of the LCF Rothschild
Group and his shore crew by the cheerful voice of its skipper: “I’m well
rested, which is preferable given what lies in store for us. It’s currently
32°C inside Gitana Eighty and the water temperature is 29°C”. Loïck Peyron
can’t resist a hint of mischievousness: “I’m considering the possibility of
having a little dip, especially if the wind continues to drop away! It’s
gradually easing, very slowly. I think we’ll hold onto this for another 24
to 30 hours at this pace. Today the exit would seem to be located 300 miles
ahead if all goes well. However, as we all know, launching into predictions
here smacks slightly of utopia. You have to bear in mind that it could
change for the better or worse without warning! For the time being it’s
sunny, which contrasts with previous days and there is still no sign of the
classic Doldrums”.
Used to detecting the signs which herald the Inter-Tropical Convergence
Zone, the solo sailors are currently being subject to a series of frequently
asked questions about the zone. One thing is certain though, Loïck Peyron
will be the first to enter the area and, as a result, the first to
experience its calm zones. However, for this important passage, this fine
tactician has meticulously prepared himself by adapting his course to tackle
both the phenomenon itself as well as the hoard of competitors on his tail:
“I forced my way down last night so as to position myself directly in line
with the chasing pack. I may serve as a pacemaker to them of course but I
didn’t want to find myself in an extreme situation. I am happy with my new
position. My strategy is clear; to make headway to the south and above all
not think about it too much. I’ve made my decision and I’m calmly sticking
to it! I will be the first little boy to give sweets to the nasty lady and I
really hope I don’t have to leave her too many…”.
Behind, the chasing pack are hot on the heels of Gitana Eighty, including
Sébastien Josse, directly astern, as well as Jean-Pierre Dick and Armel Le
Cléac’h further out to the west. To the east, the skipper that was shaping
up to be an immediate threat just a short time ago - Jean Le Cam – has now
racked up a 93.3 miles deficit down in 8th position. The reason for this is
some stubborn automatic pilots, which forced him to make a ‘pitstop’ on the
water for four hours yesterday. The first ‘lottery’ of this Vendée Globe is
taking shape now and it would be a shrewd observer than could predict what
the outcome will be. The meteorologists agree that the Doldrums hasn’t shown
much activity over recent hours, and erratic winds are expected to be the
scenario for the frontrunners.
Aboard Gitana Eighty, the skipper from La Baule is adapting his pace to the
conditions and trying to get the most out of the current atmosphere: “I’m
helming a little in the shade but I sometimes leave the pilot to helm whilst
I keep watch. You have to be on top of things as some very fine and tricky
trimming is required. All’s well aboard though. I still have some fresh food
in the larder and I’m making the most of it in this heat. I’m thoroughly
respecting the rule of five fresh fruit and vegetables a day!” The humour is
par for the course then and the ideas are sound; so the skipper of the
monohull equipped by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild is ready to tackle the
nasty lady…
Ranking on Tuesday 18th November – 1600 hours (French time)
1. Gitana Eighty (Loïck Peyron) 21,136 miles from the finish
2. BT (Sébastien Josse) 27.3 miles
3. Paprec Virbac (Jean-Pierre Dick) 44.1 miles
4. Brit Air (Armel Le Cléac’h) 44.8 miles
5. PRB (Vincent Riou) 54.3 miles
...
Translated by Kate Jennings – Expression
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