Jean-Luc van den Heede's fantastic record

[Sybarite]

Jean-Luc van den Heede\'s fantastic record

Around the world, the wrong way, in 122 days 14 hours and 3 mins - more than 29 days off the previous record must be one of the best boating performances ever. Not so long ago this would have been a record for a boat going east about. It also says a lot for the man that this is his third attempt at 58 years of age.

John



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[Koeketiene]

Re: Jean-Luc van den Heede\'s fantastic record

Hear, hear!

<hr width=100% size=1>Fair winds.
If not... reef early!

 

[qsiv]

Re: Jean-Luc van den Heede\'s fantastic record

Gosh is it only his 3rd - I thought he had two attempts with Trentesix:Quinze (the Open 60 yawl - latterly it was red), and then last years abortive run in Adrienne..

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[qsiv]

Re: Jean-Luc van den Heede\'s fantastic record

Actually I think it was one on 36:15, and two abortive (keel probs and then dropped a rig) runs on Adrienne.

Whatever, truly staggering determination and doggedness - and STILL only the fourth person to finish the run (Blyth,Golding and Monnet before hand). In an era where records become routine very quickly this is still one heck of an achievement.

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[milltech]

Re: Jean-Luc van den Heede\'s fantastic record

Quite a success for a man with such an unnecessarily long name.

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[Sybarite]

Re: Jean-Luc van den Heede\'s fantastic record

3615 MET was an aluminium Harlé designed ketch that VdH (as he is known in France) used on the BOC but not on the west-about route. For that he used another Harlé designed ketch built in composites which was variously known as Helvim, Whirlpool, Algimouss etc. Contrary to trends, this boat was long and narrow (3m74) and considered good for upwind sailing. He nevertheless came 2nd in the 92/93 Vendée Globe, 4th in the Jacques Vabre 95, 3rd BOC 95, 2nd Route de Rhum in 98.

He tried west-about twice in this boat : 99 when he hit a UFO, 2001 keel problems and twice in Adrien 2002 dismated and this last successful attempt.
I was moored beside Adrien at Houat before he had his first go and it is amazing that one man (and not a young man) could handle such a large boat in such difficult conditions.

John


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[Koeketiene]

Re: Jean-Luc van den Heede\'s fantastic record

Cut it out John, or I'll stop buying stuff from you! ;oD

<hr width=100% size=1>Fair winds.
If not... reef early!

 

[Gunfleet]

Re: Jean-Luc van den Heede\'s fantastic record

No doubt Chay Blyth did it in a Westerly Pageant, or on a raft or something equally unlikely.

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