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Pelagic · 18-01-2017, 23:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by donradcliffe

Alex is now on port tack, where his foil is broken off, so he will be slower. He does not have to go up the mast to fix his wind sensor. He switched to a pulpit mounted one some time ago, but it has also broken, so he is trying to cobble up a replacement for it.

Yes from last interview it appears that Alex has conceded to Armel.
He is slower and not able to point as high, so is projected to need 2 more tacks.

What a wonderful display of extreme racing that this competition exudes.

Big thanks to Polux for his expert and color commentary on this thread to help me understand the finer details and personalities

I will be following the back markers with added appreciation

toddedger · 19-01-2017, 05:49

I too have enjoyed the expert commentary from Poluxand I hope he continues. The race will go on for quite awhile, and there is a lot more to be learned from it after the leaders finish.

Davidhoy · 19-01-2017, 06:03

It's at times like this that we need a "Cruiser of the Month" award. Polux would win hands-down in my opinion, for the last 3 months! Mr. Polux, if we ever have the good fortune to meet in person, I'm buying the first few rounds...

-David

gamayun · 19-01-2017, 06:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidhoy

It's at times like this that we need a "Cruiser of the Month" award. Polux would win hands-down in my opinion, for the last 3 months! Mr. Polux, if we ever have the good fortune to meet in person, I'm buying the first few rounds...

-David

Here, here

But I also hope Polux continues the commentary on the rest of the fleet. There are a couple others I've been following and it's such a huge feat for any who finish such a race.

Davidhoy · 19-01-2017, 07:17

Watching the finish live online right now. So cool, almost as good as being there in person :-). Congrats to Armel, Alex, and all the other competitors!

-David

Polux · 19-01-2017, 07:35

Armel is just finishing right now!!!!

He is enjoying the moment so much that he goes slow with a reefed main, just to last longerLOL

He even kissed his boat!!! Finally after two 2th places on the Vendee, a victory!!!!

He won it with a bigger advantage over Alex than the one I had previewed, about 105nm, probably due to Alex's problems with the Wind steering function on his autopilot.

He established also a new solo circumnavigation record for monohulls, beating the previous record by 4 days!!!

Davidhoy · 19-01-2017, 07:38

Chapeau, Armel, chapeau!

Pelagic · 19-01-2017, 07:41

What a fantastic finish Polux in such beautiful conditions

I am amazed how good the boat looks from the camera shots.

Would love to have a close inspection of the wear and tear.

robert sailor · 19-01-2017, 07:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by arsenelupiga

proven again: french are best boat architects, builders and sailors.

Everyone else just improvises

What a silly statement

robert sailor · 19-01-2017, 07:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polux

Armel is just finishing right now!!!!

He is enjoying the moment so much that he goes slow with a reefed main, just to last longerLOL

He even kissed his boat!!! Finally after two 2th places on the Vendee, a victory!!!!

Enjoyed your views on the race, good job.

Pelagic · 19-01-2017, 08:01

First interview quite emotional.

I guess Alex will get to see the fireworks from a distance and that must be a heart wrenching time for him.

Well done Armel and Alex as I am off to bed here in the Philippines

Polux · 19-01-2017, 08:23

Well, I enjoy to be in good company so it was a pleasure to share it with all of you

I will keep commenting, there are several races on this race, one very interesting is the one from what the French have already named the three Musketeers, the 4th, 5th and 6th, three very good sailors, three friends with many races between them since they were kids. They are having fun with a fight of their own and from the first to the 3th, only 10 nm separates them.

Then there is "old" veteran Nandor Fa doing a fantastic race on a boat designed and built by himself (with some help), smiling Bellion that seems in a wonder state every time he send news about his race, like if he was on paradise....and even smiling and stopping for have a reunion with other sailors is on a very good 9th place and is the 2th of the "amateurs" just after Fa.

And all the others from whom just finishing this race is a major accomplishment....and finishing this race is certainly an accomplishment by itself.

However I go Sunday to Dusseldorf, for the beer and the boat show and I will stay there for a week, so I will have less time and i will post much less.

Regarding the race, at 17.45 CET they will return life to the crowd cheering with Armel on the quay with fireworks.

Alex will arrive later than previewed since contrary to Armel we will not manage to arrive on a direct tack and will have to sail upwind. About 10 hours from now and it is a pity because at 2 or 3 in the morning he would not have probably an huge crowd waiting for him, as he deserve, even if I am sure that many will be there to cheer him.

Panope · 19-01-2017, 09:02

I'm curious, has there has been any cases of sea-sickness with Vendee Globe competitors?

Steve

Polux · 19-01-2017, 09:46

Great images live and a huge reception. The noise is incredible!!! and a great new, kind of sad for Armel and that gives another meaning to the kiss he had give to it: It is not his boat anymore. That will be the last time he will sail "his" boat.

It was bought by Louis Burton or more precisely by his sponsor Bureau Vallée. Bourton is making a great vendee with an old boat (11 year old), sailing in 7th place but if we look to all that are ahead of him, they are all much older, being the younger one Armel (39). Burton has 31 year of age. Another one from Brittany, like Armel.