Vendee 2020

[MicHughV]

sorry to see Sodebo go..but I can understand their predicament...they are racing against the clock...not a podium finish..

so now what....it's a long way back....that's a big boat too....not something you can put on a ship....wonder if they'll head for Suez ???

[DDabs]

Says they are heading for Reunion Island

[psk125]

Originally Posted by DDabs

Says they are heading for Reunion Island

Now we wait for Gitane/Edmond Rothschild to take their shot. Trophée Jules Verne contestants have until July 31,2021 to start. Sodebo could easily sail slowly back to Les Sables d’Olonne and start again before the 31 July. The weather in the Southern Ocean might not be so nice later, however. Winter starts in March down there, and it's not as close to the equator as Australia.

[DomPerignon]

Originally Posted by ullar

I can imagine most of that if I try hard enough. It's still difficult to swallow that it pays to try and start 9 days after the fleet (Charal) or repair seriously structurally damaged boat (Hugo Boss) but you automatically don't stand a chance in this race if you lose your computer. Well, modern times.

Yes, Bernard Moitessier must be turning in his grave right now

[psk125]

Refocusing on the Vendée Globe: Only 4 miles difference between the 4th and 7th place boats, after 12,000 miles of racing.

[DomPerignon]

I think the only technology that should be allowed onboard is a vhf radio and a sextant.

[psk125]

Originally Posted by DomPerignon

Yes, Bernard Moitessier must be turning in his grave right now

M. Moitessier was not interested in racing. He withdrew rather than finish, when he would have easily won. He seems only to have wanted to continue sailing away from his responsibilities like his wife and child at home. The boats in the Vendée Globe race this year are complicated. They need computers to operate safely, much as an airplane needs instruments to fly at night. Orville and Wilbur managed by the seat of their pants, but modern pilots go out in fog and wind that would ground their antecedents. Operating an IMOCA 60 without a computer (BOTH of them have apparently crashed) is like trying to get the Wright Flyer to turn without a rudder cable. You might be able to get it off the ground, but you might not be able to walk away from the landing.

[MicHughV]

I count 11 boats in that lead pack, including 3 non-foilers.....with the Pacific Ocean yet to come, this race is wide open.....

[DomPerignon]

Originally Posted by psk125

M. Moitessier was not interested in racing. He withdrew rather than finish, when he would have easily won. He seems only to have wanted to continue sailing away from his responsibilities like his wife and child at home. The boats in the Vendée Globe race this year are complicated. They need computers to operate safely, much as an airplane needs instruments to fly at night. Orville and Wilbur managed by the seat of their pants, but modern pilots go out in fog and wind that would ground their antecedents. Operating an IMOCA 60 without a computer (BOTH of them have apparently crashed) is like trying to get the Wright Flyer to turn without a rudder cable. You might be able to get it off the ground, but you might not be able to walk away from the landing.

By sailing 1 1/2 time around the world Mr. Moitessier was a genius. He later made a fortune writing books about it because people were curious about his unconventional, politically incorrect adventure. No need for scummy titles.

[Jim Cate]

He later made a fortune writing books about it

You must have known a different Bernard than we did (rather informally). No fortune to be seen around him...

Jim

[Yellowtulip]

Originally Posted by DomPerignon

I think the only technology that should be allowed onboard is a vhf radio and a sextant.

Did you not notice the Golden Globe Challenge? There's no reason on Earth why you can't have a race where the contestants handicap themselves for nostalgic reasons. There's also no reason on Earth why you shouldn't have a race using the very latest technology. If you don't like the Vendee Globe why bother posting about it?

[Yellowtulip]

Originally Posted by DomPerignon

I think the only technology that should be allowed onboard is a vhf radio and a sextant.

Did you not notice the Golden Globe Challenge? There's no reason on Earth why you can't have a race where the contestants handicap themselves for nostalgic reasons. There's also no reason on Earth why you shouldn't have a race using the very latest technology. If you don't like the Vendee Globe why bother posting about it?

[DomPerignon]

For safety carbon fiber boats should not be allowed either, aluminum only

[MicHughV]

if Le Cam can keep up with the leaders he may win this thing.....he still has a time handicap to come into play....but I wouldn't count out an outright first place...

[Yellowtulip]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

if Le Cam can keep up with the leaders he may win this thing.....he still has a time handicap to come into play....but I wouldn't count out an outright first place...

He could, but if the foilers get a sustained period of optimal weather I don't think he'll beat them on speed. If they keep breaking though...