Last night (French time), Thomas Ruyant, who is in second place in the Vendée Globe, has slowed his boat to a near halt after discovering that the front bow compartment of his IMOCA LinkedOut was filling with water.
Shortly before 2100hrs TU, he has engaged both his main pumps to drain this usually watertight compartment. The bulkhead doors are closed and so the main living space on the boat is not affected. As soon as the water is completely evacuated, Ruyant conducts a full inspection of the boat to make a final diagnosis of the problem. Hours later, he returns to racing mode. but is 127 nautical miles behind Bestaven and only 36 miles ahead of third Charlie Dalin. Jean Le Cam is fourth at about 330 nautical miles from the leader. The Pacific Ocean opens the 4,000-mile passage to Cape Horn and the final exit gate to the Atlantic. On the originally determined route of 24,410 nautical miles, the captains are a little over halfway. The crossing to the Pacific is a morale booster, as is the passage under New Zealand, then the Antimeridian immediately after New Zealand when the longitude of the skippers begins to fall from 180 degrees east. The first eleven sailed in front of the front in good conditions. Clarisse Cremer and Romain Attanasio, walked past Cape Leeuwin last night, Armel Tripon brushes along the ice barrier to avoid the tentacles of the Mascarene high pressure which is getting on the nerves of the competitors.
“We’re not going to complain, the Indian could be horrible and boat-breaking. But it is true that we are not able to go fast consistently and close distance, the weather is incredibly changeable this year ” said Arnaud Boissières early this morning. The skipper from Les Sables d’Olonne who is taking part in his fourth Vendée Globe is an unfailing optimist. This whole group back to Manu Cousin, Pip Hare and Didac Costa should soon benefit from the north-westerly wind flow generated by the low pressure which descends on the Kerguelen Islands. Jérémie Beyou is getting back into the match after an incredible comeback. The skipper of Charal is baring his teeth a bit catching six IMOCAs in 6 days and it is certainly not over yet!
“I sail better when I have some rivals around. Obviously, when you’re all alone, you can’t measure yourself. There, it’s nice, especially since they are all sailing really well “explained Beyou this morning. A complicated night for Sébastien Destremau who managed to repair his helm problems and reconnect the two rudders together. Merci has returned to racing mode!