The Vendee Globe

[andrewcsy]

Indeed, Spirit of Canada was the first open 60 built in Canada. Although new, the team has suffered from lack of interest from Canadian sponsors. At the last minute Algimouss, a French company specializing in God knows what, stepped in with a cash injection.

As a Canadian, I too hope he does well. All we could every really have hoped for is that he finished. I think that's always been his goal too - winning the Vendee takes a lot of commitment from a lot of people.

That said, he's sailing well, breaking personal records, and seems to be enjoying himself. He's been working with Earth Rangers, an environmental group aimed at children.

As for poor old Yannick, yes, what an excellent photo. My apologies for the poor quality - the Vendee site has refused me a press pass so I'm getting pics any way I can.

Andrew

[Connemara]

older design.....

[Arch Stanton]

The last five days have seen lots of attrition. It's down to 19 racers.

GO RICH WILSON!

[Connemara]

Don't look now, but he's got a Canuck on his shoulder.

Go, Derek!


Connemara

[waverider]

Last I heard Derek was in 17th place, keep going Derek you have alot of supporters back home. G0 DEREK GO!!!!!!

[Stillraining]

Originally Posted by Arch Stanton

The last five days have seen lots of attrition. It's down to 19 racers.

It's been brutal all right..heart breaking

[andrewcsy]

Some exciting and bone-breaking action out there just now.

This will have to be a two-part update.

Here's part one.

Part two soon coming soon...

Thanks for reading,
Andrew

[Connemara]

Looks as if all sections of the race from the leaders to the tail-end charlies are about to get slapped with some weather from three separate depressions. Hope they all stay afloat and uninjured.


The injured skipper, for those not following at home, is out of surgery with a pin in his femur and doing well. Members of his team are at sea, heading out to retrieve the boat.


Connemara

[Dave the Canuck]

Originally Posted by Connemara

Don't look now, but he's got a Canuck on his shoulder.

Go, Derek!


Connemara

Very glad to see that Yan Ellies is ok. That was pretty scary.

Bit of a duel shaping up at the back of the fleet. Derek's only 149nm behind Rich Wilson. Not too shabby after having to delay his start for four days.

Off to watch the Canadian Juniors play Slovakia this evening then another check on Derek. Oh, there'll be beer involved.

GO DEREK!!!

[andrewcsy]

As promised, here's part two.

In the meantime I've also posted a few quotes that moved me in some way.

We're down to eighteen, and as Connemara mentioned, they're all about to get clobbered. Hold on tight.

Andrew

[Stillraining]

Thanks Andrew...much apreciated..its hard to keep up on everything without living on the computer.

[Connemara]

Bad news for Hatfield.

Spiriti of Canada was knocked down, mast went in the water, and two of the leeward spreaders are broken.

No word yet on whether he can repair them at sea. He's making his way northeast toward Tasmania under reduced sail.

Connemara

[TaoJones]

Yes, the situation looks grim for Hatfield. He's in danger of losing his mast above the first spreader. Here's a link:

BYM Sailing & Sports News

TaoJones

[Connemara]

Tough luck for Derek. It was a hell of a good try.

Interestingly, the abandoned IMOCA 60, Generali, appears to be lost at sea. She is no longer transmitting and they don't know where she is. So the poster who wondered whether they should have scuttled her is looking prescient today.


Connemara

[Dave the Canuck]

Newswire : An inspiration to so many - Vendée Globe

Extremely classy comments by Rich Wilson concerning Derek.