Seamanship in the Vendee Globe

[oldbilbo]

There's been much to learn from, and now that J-P Dick's keel has broken off 1000nm SW of the Azores, it will be interesting to see how Alex Thomson - his nearest fellow-competitor some 150nm further SSW and closing - will balance the competitive drive with 'being there' if/when needed.

One to watch....

 

[CPD]

That's a fair point. If seamanship rules all, then JPD will already have decided to stop at the Azores, and should be able to make it there without assistance ....... provided he takes it very very easy. Sponsorship and the pressure to win however will see AT overtake to take 3rd and JPD limp in a hero.

 

[ridgy]

I shouldn't think AT would give the slightest thought to "being there if needed" and will continue to race normally.

JPD could reduce sails to a scrap and limp to the azores at 5 knots to ensure his safety, but I notice that he is still pushing as much as he thinks he can get away with, just 2 knots slower than AT this morning.

 

[Woodlouse]

There's been much to learn from, and now that J-P Dick's keel has broken off 1000nm SW of the Azores, it will be interesting to see how Alex Thomson - his nearest fellow-competitor some 150nm further SSW and closing - will balance the competitive drive with 'being there' if/when needed.

One to watch....

If JPD asks for help, and Thompson is the best placed to assist then without question he would stop racing and assist. It wouldn't be the first time such a scenario had happened. However since JPD hasn't asked for help, and since they are in the North Atlantic where there is plenty of sea going traffic to help if need be I doubt Thompson will ease up on the pace, nor would JPD expect or want him to.