Vendee 2020

[psk125]

Originally Posted by Yellowtulip

IMOCAs are safer than most racing and production boats of the last 50 years, but that doesn't mean that the Vendee Globe is a safe event. It's a high risk race.
They're safer because they're faster and stronger so they're not out there for so long. 70 days instead of more than 100 just a few years ago, so fewer storms to negotiate. Their downwind speed means they can to some extent stay ahead of the rollers. Moitessier was one of the early circumnavigators to point out the safety advantages of speed in downwind conditions. They need to be slowed sometimes to avoid nosediving, (cf PRB.).
Modern materials are immensely strong, though they have their limits.
Would a production GRP boat withstand the sort of punishment they do? I doubt it. Would a wooden boat? Some would undoubtedly, if in perfect condition. Steel, yes, but note the point above about them being slow and therefore out there longer. Aluminium is certainly strong enough, but carbon fibre is stronger.

Aluminium vs carbon fiber– comparison of materials

IMOCAs are the end product of more than 30 years development for specifically the conditions they're in.
So all in all, if I wanted to sail the Southern ocean, which I don't, an IMOCA would be high on my list of boats to do it in. Along with a skipper who knows how to sail one!

Good points. Imagine 30 boats in an ARC rally doing the Southern Ocean. How many breakdowns/breakups/dismastings/pitchpoles would there be?

[MicHughV]

under the same conditions, most ARC boats would likely be under storm sail, trailing drogues and hanging on for dear life...

[psk125]

And now we have the fully-crewed trimaran Sodebo starting to lap the Vendée Globe fleet, going for the Trophée Jules Verne record of RTW in less than 40 days 23h30m30s.

https://www.tropheejulesverne.org/ba...odebo-ultim-3/

Sodebo just turned to port off Rio, heading for the Southern Ocean off Capetown. Fellow TJV competitor Gitana is planning their re-start soon. They hit something last week after three days out and went back to L'Orient for repairs.

[ahun]

From VG Facebook page:

[Lesson of courage and resilience �]
British skipper Sam Davies (Initiatives-Cœur) confirmed her retiral from the Vendée Globe today as she arrived in Cape Town, South Africa. She joins compatriot Alex Thomson (HUGO BOSS) who abandoned on arrival yesterday. The British duo were joined this afternoon by Frenchman Sébastien Simon (ARKEA PAPREC). � https://bit.ly/37C1fhQ

[psk125]

Twenty-eight boats left!

[DomPerignon]

Le Cam got hit by flying fish.
It’s in french but what he’s saying basically he got trouble with his autopilot and he spent like 10 hours outside fixing the problem and steering. That’s why he got hit in the face by a flying fish.

https://voilesetvoiliers.ouest-franc...f-6dac4c6492c0

[MicHughV]

it's difficult to be an armchair evaluator, we were not there, when the boat was designed....were were not there when it was built...we were not there doing the computer modeling....we were not there for a million other things...and we certainly aren't there sailing these rockets...for the most part we are a random collection of posters from whom knows where...posting our thoughts from the comfort of our armchairs.......we can provide interesting perspectives on the issues based on our personal experiences....but that is about it....

[DomPerignon]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

it's difficult to be an armchair evaluator, we were not there, when the boat was designed....were were not there when it was built...we were not there doing the computer modeling....we were not there for a million other things...and we certainly aren't there sailing these rockets...for the most part we are a random collection of posters from whom knows where...posting our thoughts from the comfort of our armchairs.......we can provide interesting perspectives on the issues based on our personal experiences....but that is about it....

Hummm , what ?

[DomPerignon]

https://voilesetvoiliers.ouest-franc...f-6dac4c6492c0

[Knotical]

Originally Posted by ahun

From VG Facebook page:

[Lesson of courage and resilience �]
British skipper Sam Davies (Initiatives-Cœur) confirmed her retiral from the Vendée Globe today as she arrived in Cape Town, South Africa. She joins compatriot Alex Thomson (HUGO BOSS) who abandoned on arrival yesterday. The British duo were joined this afternoon by Frenchman Sébastien Simon (ARKEA PAPREC). � https://bit.ly/37C1fhQ

I know it’s a very sad ending for the skippers but Cape Towners must be feeling pretty lucky I think 😌

[MicHughV]

Cape Town and the peninsular is well worth a visit, but arriving there with your Vendee boat is probably not the most optimum way to see the place.

[DomPerignon]

A toast to Samantha Davis , she’s in a class of her own.

[sailormed]

Kevin Excoffier from PRB got picked up by the French Marine this night. Jean is alone again and is still in 6th position. Go Jean!

[bil56]

from the french marine "Nivôse"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygz6...ature=youtu.be

and From J Le Cam'boat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6An7gUpkPL4

[Knotical]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

Cape Town and the peninsular is well worth a visit, but arriving there with your Vendee boat is probably not the most optimum way to see the place.

It’s not by choice obviously and they are not there to “see” the place, I am sure they are thankful for the shelter.