Vendee Globe

Video - Sail Repair on Aviva

Dee Caffari — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:50:21 +0000

Thought I would share my day with you.

During the afternoon the sun was warm, so boiled kettle and poured water in bucket with sika tube in.

Ran generator with resin in space.

Cut some patches and got my stuff together.

Dropped main just past third reef.

Dabbed some resin

Placed a patch

I was down wind in twenty knots so top section will have to wait. It is new so should last until Atlantic.

Slowly hoisted using a combination of dabbing resin and applying sika and some patches to third reef.

Aviva

PRB Yacht Dismasted - Vincent Riou and Jean Le Cam Safe

YachtPals — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:47:48 +0000

YachtPals.com 08 Jan
PRB Yacht Dismasted - Vincent Riou and Jean Le Cam Safe

Cape Horn - We are sorry to report that the yacht PRB was dismasted just after sailing past Cape Horn in the Vendee Globe race. At 1920 GMT on Wednesday, Vincent Riou called his shore team to say: "We have been dismasted. We are in

PRB - Vincent Riou

Steve White Sailing Video

Steve White — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:26:02 +0000

Welcome to the Roaring Fourties.

Steve White reporting from a nearly completely mended boat!

- Toe in the Water

Vendee Globe

Jean Le Cam Safe on Vincent Riou's Yacht PRB - Video

YachtPals — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:07:39 +0000

YachtPals.com 07 Jan
Jean Le Cam Safe on Vincent Riou's Yacht PRB - Video

Cape Horn - Vincent Riou has sent in a few videos, including footage he shot before the rescue of Jean Le Cam from his capsized yacht, and a video conference he had this morning with the Vendee Globe skipper he rescued. Vincent and Jean are on their way to Ushuaia, where Jean will step off, and Vincent will continue the race.

Vendee Globe

Anxious hours waiting to hear about King Jean - Sam Davies

Sam Davies — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:33:09 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

I think today has been a hard day for everyone out here. One of my fellow race competitors, Jean Le Cam aboard VM Materiaux, became trapped under his boat after losing the bulb of his keel and capsizing. He was completely uncontactable, trapped in a pocket of air with the two escape hatches on the underside of his boat also submerged. His friend and fellow Vendée Globe skipper, Vincent Riou, diverted his course and eventually managed to rescue Jean from the freezing waters off Cape Horn by hauling him on board with a rescue line.

Roxy - Sam Davies

Vincent Riou Rescues Jean Le Cam

YachtPals — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:53:52 +0000

YachtPals.com 06 Jan
Vincent Riou Rescues Jean Le Cam

Cape Horn - At 1810 GMT, with a helicopter and navy tug en route and a tanker standing by, it would have been a matter of hours before additional help arrived on scene of Jean Le Cam's capsized Vendee Globe boat, but that was too long to wait. As Vincent Riou circled the capsized VM Matériaux, Jean Le Cam climbed out of the boat and into the water, wearing a survival suit for protection from the icy seas. After the fourth pass, Le Cam was able to board PRB safely. Unfortunately, Vincent's boat was damaged in the rescue.

PRB - Vincent Riou

Photo - Yacht Capsized, Jean Le Cam Trapped Inside

YachtPals — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:48:55 +0000

Photo at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community 06 Jan
Photo - Yacht Capsized, Jean Le Cam Trapped Inside

Jean Le Cam Sailing VM Matériaux in Distress - Rescue Underway

YachtPals — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:46:50 +0000

YachtPals.com 06 Jan
Jean Le Cam Sailing VM Matériaux in Distress - Rescue Underway

Cape Horn - At 0026 GMT, while Vendee Globe sailor Jean Le Cam was calling his team back in France to tell them that VM Matériaux was at serious risk of capsizing, the sat phone went dead. The distress beacon on Le Cam's IMOCA 60 was then triggered at 0140 GMT. Hoping for the best, the race committee has begun rescue operations and has routed Armel Le Cléac’h of Brit Air and Vincent Riou on PRB to the scene. The first should reach the area at around 1300 GMT.

PRB - Vincent Riou

Vendee Globe Week 9 - Sailing Around the Horn

YachtPals — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:59:20 +0000

YachtPals.com 05 Jan
Vendee Globe Week 9 - Sailing Around the Horn

At the start of both Vendee Globe week nine and the new year, we find the leaders of the fleet sailing around the most feared and famous navigational landmark in the world: Cape Horn. Michel Desjoyeaux, currently in the lead, was the first around that wicked dagger of land at 0310 GMT this morning, with Roland Jourdain close behind and keeping up the pressure.

Aviva

Foncia Sailing Around the Horn - Michel Desjoyeaux

Michel Desjoyeaux — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:22:05 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

The passage around the Horn was a bit full-on. The goal was to get to see the Horn, but there was 35-40 knots of breeze with 45 knot squalls and, above all, little visibility. It was night time… Conditions were lively but it was pleasant... It’s rather like a deliverance as it signifies leaving the Southern Ocean and the permanent oppression of the wind! It’s not so much the sea which is difficult

Foncia - Michel Desjoyeaux

Sailing Noises - Sam Davies

Sam Davies — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:49:49 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

Hello everyone! I hope it's not too hard getting back to work after the Christmas holidays! Today is a quiet day on board Roxy as we are flirting with another ridge of high pressure that is located around the next ice gate. Our new occupation seems to be to find all the parts of the Pacific with light wind - there is another one right here!

Roxy - Sam Davies

Another Sailing Milestone - Dee Caffari

Dee Caffari — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:19:17 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

Another milestone passed today as I crossed to the north of Gate number 9. That leaves just one more gate and Cape Horn left down here then Aviva and I can hand brake turn left and head north. I also broke through the 10000 miles to go barrier which is a nice incentive.

Vendee Globe

Steve White Sailing Video

Steve White — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:32:38 +0000

Sailing Toe in the Water alone around the world. Steve White

I sailed very close by Campbell Island

Toe in the Water - Steve White

Onboard Roxy in the Vendée Globe - Sam Davies

Sam Davies — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:38:56 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

Yesterday I passed a special mark in my personal voyage around the globe. Eleven years ago, Royal and SunAlliance was dismasted at 52S 129W during our Trophee Jules Verne record attempt.

Vendee Globe

Rime of the Ancient Mariner - Rich Wilson

Rich Wilson — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:40:20 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

Last night, on the other gybe, heading ESE, trying to get far enough to gybe and head at a good angle to the New Zealand ice gate, we got to 52/30S, and were going farther. In that situation, one is always hoping for a small windshift to legitimize a gybe, so we could get out of there. It's too far south, too cold, too risky, etc.

Great American III - Rich Wilson

Sailing Foncia around the world - Michel Desjoyeaux

Michel Desjoyeaux — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:31:09 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

I’ve been leading the Vendée Globe for 18 days now after setting out with a 40 hour deficit. That’s pretty cool.

Vendee Globe

Sailing the South Pacific - Sam Davies

Sam Davies — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 07:35:30 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

AAaaaarrrgghhhh!!! I've got NO wind! Or very little!

To be honest, with my solid little Roxy boat, I'd rather have too much wind than not enough.

Roxy - Sam Davies

Happy New Year Video - Sam Davies

Sam Davies — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:40:07 +0000

Vendee Globe

Jean-Pierre Dick Out of the Vendée Globe

YachtPals — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 23:59:58 +0000

YachtPals.com 31 Dec
Jean-Pierre Dick Out of the Vendée Globe

South Pacific - At around 1300 GMT today, Paprec-Virbac 2 sailed into another UFO (likely ice this time), and broke its port-side rudder. As luck would have it, this was the "good" rudder, as the other was severely damaged in an earlier incident on December 15. Sleeping down below, solo skipper Jean-Pierre Dick heard a noise, and by the time he made it to the stern of the boat, he saw the shattered remnants of the carbon-fiber blade slip into the sea. With his doubly crippled boat, JP

Paprec-Virbac - JP Dick

Happy New Year - Dee Caffari

Dee Caffari — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 23:10:52 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

As promised I have passed north of Gate 8 today in a decreasing wind and calmer sea state than the previous few days. The sky does show signs of breaking up so I am hoping for the endless drizzle and mist / fog I have been sailing in for the last 48 hours to move away too. If I am going to sail slowly then I may as well have nice conditions, then it does not seem too bad.

Aviva

New Year's Resolutions - Sam Davies

Sam Davies — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:13:03 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

My New Year's Resolutions

Sail around the world
Take a photo of Cape Horn

Roxy - Sam Davies

Vendee Globe Week 8 - Down, Out, and Sailing Through Storms

YachtPals — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:15:11 +0000

YachtPals.com 29 Dec
Vendee Globe Week 8 - Down, Out, and Sailing Through Storms

The brutality of sailing the Southern Oceans, though often the subject of stories, is easy to underestimate. The same is true of the difficulty of solo racing, with its associated sleep deprivation and physical and emotional stress. Combine these two issues, and throw in the added problems associated with running new and cutting edge technologies, and you have the formula of the Vendee Globe, as well as an explanation as to why almost half the fleet has now retired. This is simply as tough as it gets, in any sport.

Aviva

JP Dick Sailing Video

JP Dick — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:42:07 +0000

JP Dick Sailing Paprec Virbac 2

Paprec-Virbac - JP Dick

Aviva gets a visitor

Dee Caffari — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:34:03 +0000

I passed south of Auckland Islands last night and had a pretty bumpy ride during the night time hours. When dawn broke I had a call asking for my position out here in the middle of nowhere in the Southern Ocean. Three hours later a call came again with a familiar voice and asked for my position again. Ten minutes later a plane was overhead and Dave Greenberg with three buddies were flying around Aviva and saying hi.

Dee

Blog: I passed south of Auckland Islands last night

Aviva

Sailing highs and lows - Steve White

Steve White — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:54:13 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

I think I need to come down here more often to get a real handle on this place. It has been an odd twenty four hours, going from flat calm, eight knots of breeze and the lowest I have ever seen the barometer in the very centre of the last low, to having to slow the boat down as we got clobbered by the last front - there wasn't that much wind, about fifty odd knots,

Vendee Globe

Massive Knock-Down Sailing Spirit of Canada - Derek Hatfield Out of the Vendee Globe

YachtPals — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 21:04:53 +0000

YachtPals.com 28 Dec
Massive Knock-Down Sailing Spirit of Canada - Derek Hatfield Out of the Vendee Globe

The Spirit of Canada suffered major damage last night when Derek Hatfield's sailboat was knocked-down violently while sailing in the Vendee Globe around the world yacht race. Derek Hatfield, the only Canadian competing in this solo non-stop race around the world, tells us his boat has been struck a major blow - two spreaders on his mast were broken in half, leaving the mast unsupported on the leeward side.

Spirit of Canada - Derek Hatfield

Vincent Riou Sailing PRB - Video

Vincent Riou — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:33:39 +0000

Sailing PRB

For the time being, everyone is licking their wounds and looking forward to Cape Horn for some finer weather. When the storm is really violent, all you can do is ride it out, forget the race and try to sail as best you can. In the end, all you can really do is sleep. Near the floor if possible to avoid getting shaken around too much by the waves.

PRB - Vincent Riou

Sailing in the Southern Ocean - Sam Davies

Sam Davies — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:00:03 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

Hello everyone! I've just been out on deck, having taken a reef. Roxy is reaching in 20-25 knots of wind and there's a nice sea. After finishing the reef, I sat up on top of my Fleet 77 dome, and marvelled at my surroundings.

Roxy - Sam Davies

Thrown from the Bunk - Rich Wilson

Rich Wilson — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 19:49:47 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

12/27 0315utc 49/35S 119/47 W, staysail, 11.7 knots. Awaiting next gale, should arrive in 6 hours, expected severe, will go to storm jib beforehand. Well it was inevitable, the being thrown from the bunk, finally happened last night, and I had a one point landing on my left eyebrow after a fall of 1.5 meters with my head leading the way.

Great American III - Rich Wilson

Aviva in the Top Ten - Dee Caffari

Dee Caffari — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:28:49 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

When I looked at the top ten skippers at the start in Les Sables d’Olonnes I never dreamt I would count among them in this race. It is like a dream. Now this race is a war of attrition but how nice it is to still be part of it.

I have shown I can do it. I’m just sailing the weather as I get the weather and trying to stay sensible. There is still a long way to go.

Aviva

Sébastien Josse Knocked Down Sailing BT

YachtPals — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:01:10 +0000

YachtPals.com 26 Dec
Sébastien Josse Knocked Down Sailing BT

Southern Oceans - 47º37' S - 159º14' W - The Vendee Globe yacht BT skippered by Sébastien Josse has been knocked down by a breaking wave in 60 knots of wind, while sailing 1000 miles off Wellington, NZ. The boat was pinned down, with the top of the mast under the water, while the violent seas pummeled the sailboat for several minutes before finally rolling back upright. Despite the violent knock-down, Sébastien Josse is unhurt, and says he does not require any outside assistance. There is serious damage to the boat, but Sébastien says the race is not over - for now at least.

Vendee Globe

Merry Christmas - JP Dick

JP Dick — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:25:08 +0000

Photo at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community 25 Dec
Merry Christmas - JP Dick

Happy Christmas from 50S

Brian Thompson — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:28:09 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

Happy Christmas from 50S.

Another incredible action filled day on Bahrain Team Pindar.

Pindar - Brian Thompson

Merry Christmas Yacht Pals! Sam Davies

Sam Davies — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:10:59 +0000

Merry Christmas!

Roxy Blog: Hello there everyone! Sam Davies

Roxy - Sam Davies

Christmas at Sea - Vincent Riou Video

Vincent Riou — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:35:13 +0000

Christmas at sea on the yacht PRB

Vendee Globe

Sam Davies Blog and Video - Roxy Ready for Christmas

Sam Davies — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:44:19 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

Day 43 is finished, and that means that Roxy is halfway through her record time of 87 days!!! I think we are pretty much halfway distance-wise too.... so it might be still be possible to break Roxy's record time from the last race!

Roxy - Sam Davies

Vendée Globe Week 7 - Half Way There!

YachtPals — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:59:40 +0000

YachtPals.com 22 Dec
Vendée Globe Week 7 - Half Way There!

Six weeks in now, and the attrition rate in this Vendée Globe has been as predicted: Devastating. Now only 18 of the original fleet of 30 are still in the race, and with half the course to go, several of the remaining yachts and sailors are having trouble of one sort or another. There's good reason why this race is known as one of the toughest competitions in the world; sailing solo around the Pole, at breakneck speeds, these contenders are pushing technology and human endurance to the limits, and as we saw last week, sometimes over the limits.

Vendee Globe

Foncia Sailing Video - Michel Desjoyeaux

Michel Desjoyeaux — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:36:46 +0000

Sailing Foncia

Foncia - Michel Desjoyeaux

Christmas Decorations - Sam Davies

Sam Davies — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:40:55 +0000

Christmas decorations for Roxy

Vendee Globe

Mike Golding Video - Visit from the Australian Navy

Mike Golding — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 23:27:50 +0000

A dismasted ECOVER 3 gets a visit from the Australian Navy.

ECOVER 3 - Mike Golding

Vincent Riou - PRB Sailing Video

Vincent Riou — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 21:59:36 +0000

PRB sailing Video

Vincent Riou

PRB - Vincent Riou

Steve White Blog

Steve White — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:44:54 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

I had an e-mail from a friend a few days ago telling me I really should write more blogs - everyone else was doing more than me and I must keep them coming. I promsed I would, but every time I thought I was going to be able to do one something happened, it has been pretty eventful here just recently as you will see.

Toe in the Water - Steve White

Vendee Globe Rescue - Yann is Safe! - News and Video

YachtPals — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:53:24 +0000

YachtPals.com 20 Dec
Vendee Globe Rescue - Yann is Safe! - News and Video

Southern Oceans - This morning, the Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Arunta arrived on the scene where Yann Eliès has been awaiting rescue with a broken femur. The frigate took a windbreak position ahead of Generali, and by 09:40GMT a RIB (an inflatable speedboat) was launched, and Generali boarded. The emergency crew was then able to successfully transfer Yann to the main ship for medical treatment by the on-board Doctor, and for transport to hospital care.

Vendee Globe

Rescue of Yann Elies - Sam Davies

Sam Davies — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 16:14:55 +0000

Blog at YachtPals.com - The Online Boating Community

Hopefully by the time you read this, the warship Arunta will be taking care of Yann. I had a phone call from the Warship early this morning and they explained to me their ETA and procedures.

I "sent it" as fast as safely possible through the night, but as Generali and Safran were drifting quite fast I have not managed to rendez-vous with them. Still, I am staying here nearby until I get the confirmation that Yann is safe.

Then Roxy and I will get back into the race, we've got a bit of catching up to do!!

Roxy - Sam Davies

Sam Davies Video

Sam Davies — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:06:13 +0000

Sailing Roxy

Blog and high quality video: Rescue of Yann Elies - Sam Davies

Roxy - Sam Davies

Sailing Photo of the Week - A Friend in Need

YachtPals — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:21:37 +0000

YachtPals.com 19 Dec
Sailing Photo of the Week - A Friend in Need

This is taken from the on-board video of the Vendee Globe yacht Safran, skippered by Marc Guillemot. The yacht in the distance is Generali, aboard which is Yann Eliès, who is trapped below with what is suspected to be a broken femur. Safran arrived on the scene not quite 20 hours ago, and Guillemot has been attempting to provide aid both physical and emotional to Eliès. Unfortunately, Safran can't safely reach Generali, so Marc has

Vendee Globe

Vendee Globe Skipper Yann Eliès Injured - Rescue Under Way

YachtPals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:26:42 +0000

YachtPals.com 18 Dec
Vendee Globe Skipper Yann Eliès Injured - Rescue Under Way

Southern Oceans - While working the bow of Generali, Yann Eliès was thrown when the Open 60 yacht slammed into a wave. In severe pain, Yann crawled across the foredeck and into the cockpit, where he radioed for help. Initial diagnosis is that Eliès has broken his femur (thigh bone), an excruciating and disabling injury in any condition, and definitely a life-threatening situation when alone in the Southern Oceans.

Vendee Globe

Sailboat on the Rocks - Video

YachtPals — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:35:42 +0000

Bernard Stamm's Open 60 yacht Cheminées Poujoulat driven onto shore at the Kerguelen Islands.

Read the article (with high quality full screen video) here: Vendée Globe Week 6 - Dropping Like Flies

Vendee Globe

Mike Golding Dismasted Sailing in the Vendee Globe - UPDATED with Video

YachtPals — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:48:50 +0000

YachtPals.com 17 Dec
Mike Golding Dismasted Sailing in the Vendee Globe - UPDATED with Video

Southern Oceans - Mike Golding, a favorite to win this year's Vendee Globe around the world yacht race, has been dismasted. Mike was leading the fleet, sailing his Open 60 yacht Ecover about 830 miles south of Cape Leeuwin, Australia Tuesday morning when the damage occurred. "I was below deck when a squall came through with winds of 55 knots" said Mike to his shore team. "It basically went from being a near gale to a hurricane, and the mast didn't like it."

ECOVER 3 - Mike Golding

Just Heard about Mike Golding - Dee Caffari

Dee Caffari — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:38:34 +0000

I’m devastated for Mike. I feel like being sick. It’s such a cruel race.

Mike Golding Sailing Ecover 3 Dismasted

Aviva