Not all it's cracked up to be

[zoidberg]

Apparently, Destremau's Vendee boat 'Merci' has developed a crack right across the bow from side to side.

News - Sebastien Destremau discovers crack in bow of Merci - Vendée Globe - En

I wouldn't want to be heading off across the Southern Pacific Ocean with a problem like that. It seems he's in the vicinity of New Zealand - I s'pose that's something to be thankful for.

 

[Bobc]

Not sure I'd be heading into the Pacific with damage like that.

 

[bbg]

Not sure I'd be heading into the Pacific with damage like that.

I read that it was not structural. The bowsprit might break off but no structural risk.

 

[dunedin]

I read that it was not structural. The bowsprit might break off but no structural risk.

yes, and hopefully ahead of the collision bulkhead

 

[zoidberg]

Interesting to note that, today/Wednesday 13 Jan at 1030UTC, La Fabrique and Charal were just 3 miles abeam. I wonder what they had to say to each other....

And Pip Hare is 70nm SE of East Falkland.