Vendee Globe

[DeepFrz]

Oops, actually she had 18 miles to go at 23:00 UTC

[DeepFrz]

Sam just finished at 00:41 UTC.

[Arch Stanton]

My favorite skipper is Rich Wilson, the only American in the race.

He's the oldest guy in the race, and has had horrible luck with weather, but he's always steadfast and tenacious.

I remember reading about how he needed to retrieve something from storage underneath the cockpit, and had to wear a helmet because the boat was getting tossed around so badly.

He should be finishing in early March.

GO RICH!

[DeepFrz]

Yeah, I think he had to get into a compartment that had water in it to bail it out. He is also the oldest competitor in the race at 58. Actually I admire them all for their guts and tenacity. Or are they just crazy...<gr>

[DeepFrz]

At about 21:30 UTC today Marc. Guillemot was within 30 miles of the finish in his crippled Safran. It looks like he has a good shot at claiming 3rd place and putting Sam. Davies, who finished yesterday, back to fourth.

For the last 1000 miles he has been sailing without a keel.

[DeepFrz]

So Marc. Guillemot just finished and took third place with with just over an hour on Sam. Way to go Marc.

What a wonderful race for third.

[DeepFrz]

Brian Thompson of GBR was just 32 miles from the finish line at 01:30 UTC and making 7 kts. so he should finish by daylight.

[DeepFrz]

With only 3 boats left in the Vendee Globe Derek Hatfield has left Tasmania. Although he had to drop out of the race because of a damaged spreader he is determined to sail his boat, Algimouss Spirit of Canada, back to France.

Rich Wilson is currently in 9th place but is closer to his home in Boston than he is to France and has been having trouble getting around some high pressure systems.

[DeepFrz]

Ten knots boat speed this afternoon and 1230 miles from the finish, heading just north of east, things are definitely looking altogether rosier for Rich Wilson on Great American III.

News : Double tons - Vendée Globe

Raphaël Dinelli has a possible broken rib after being thrown backwards onto the deck.

[Dave the Canuck]

Derek Hatfield is now six days into his return to France and sailing upwind in 40 knots WITHOUT autohelm or wind instruments. He plans to stop in New Zealand to, hopefully, get things fixed.

I'm beginning to think that the boat is cursed and needs an exorcism.

[DeepFrz]

Derek Hatfield is now six days into his return to France and sailing upwind in 40 knots WITHOUT autohelm or wind instruments.

Ouch! Where did you get that info Dave? Haven't seen anything on Vendee Globe site since he left Tasmania.

I'm glad Rich has finally got some good winds. He has had some crappy luck since hitting the Atlantic.

[Dave the Canuck]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

Ouch! Where did you get that info Dave? Haven't seen anything on Vendee Globe site since he left Tasmania.

Here's the link to the Spirit of Canada website. You can drill down and sign on for updates.

Spirit Of Canada

[Wrenna]

My most sincere congratulations to Rich Wilson who has just crossed the finish line.

[DeepFrz]

Yes, I would like to add my congratulations to Rich, and to all the competitors. Well done.

[DeepFrz]

Two "firsts" set to take place this weekend as the last two boats in the race finish this Vendee Globe.

News : Dinelli and Sedlacek expected this weekend - Vendée Globe