Of the 40 skippers who started the Vendée Globe exactly nine weeks ago today in Les Sables d’Olonne, there are thirty-four still racing following the unavoidable decision taken early this morning by Eric Bellion (STAND AS ONE – Altavia) to abandon in the Falkland Islands.
After the pin system which secures his J2 forestay broke Bellion had effected some kind of fix a few days ago. But following another failure and facing a storm forecast in an area where he had no options to repair, fearing for the safety of his mast Bellion chose to head into the Falklands where he came alongside a pontoon in 35kts winds. Stepping on land there he announced his withdrawl from this, his second Vendée Globe. Bellion is the sixth skipper to retire.
At the front of the race, the non stop duel between Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance, 1st) – and Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA, 2nd) continues. The situation still favours the leader Dalin who is expected very early Tuesday morning into Les Sables d’Olonne.
Yoann keeps the pressure on, Charlie is resolute
After many days of efficient high speeds in the trade winds the finish to their Vendée Globe looks set to see Dalin and Richomme finally slowed. They have to negotiate a small windless zone off the Point of Brittany which will extend down the coast to the Vendée region producing an easterly wind. Without his J0 in the light airs Richomme may well struggle holding his own against Dalin. The estimated arrival times remain quite dynamic, related to the modelling of the expected breeze. Dalin is expected early on Tuesday morning, between 0400hrs and 1000hrs UTC and Richomme between 0900hrs and 1600hrs UTC.
Third placed Sébastien Simon and the “spirit of Vendée”
Some 800 miles behind the first two, passing the Azores this morning, Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) is sailing in the same SE’ly weather pattern as the leaders. The skipper who grew up in Les Sables d’Olonne should enjoy a triumphant arrival in his home town between Thursday and Friday. After sharing a beautiful the sunrise while sailing on a flat sea, his enthusiasm on the media call is infectious,
“After two days with winds at 20-25 knots downwind, the wind has dropped significantly for the next 24 hours. The sea is very smooth, I have a beautiful sunrise… I had a small problem with the engine starter yesterday but it was quickly resolved. The spirit of the Vendée Globe has granted me an extra day. You have to stay focused until the end but I also try to make the most of these times and full enjoy myself. In four days it will be over.” SébastienSimon Groupe Dubreuil.
@VendeeGlobe
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