Bav34
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Any idea why Alex hasn't changed the broken foil or was that just a wind-up?
Vendée Globe 2016-2017
- Thread starter Andrew E
- Start date
NormanB
Well-Known Member
It's a huge bit of kit and unlikely to carry a spare.
Airscrew
Well-Known Member
Neal McDonald (of fabulous Volvo fame), on Vendee TV, reckoned that HB could still be the faster design downwind. But Armel better in light airs or beating. That may explain why Armel appears to be taking a slightly more westerly heading through these light airs, with a beat on the other side and closer to land.
Contrary to some other posts, I dont believe that Alex following Armel is a good strategy. In the two high pressure zones, it is mostly first in first out. If Alex takes the safe, 'follow Amel' option, then he is (almost) guaranteed only 2nd place. But taking a gamble on a different option will still see him in 2nd anyway if it doesnt pay off, and with a chance of the win if it does.
Alex seems to be shaping up to head through this high pressure, low wind area, more to the East than Armel, and riding his current wind a little further than Armel managed.
And we also know they are also choosing their route through based on the favorable currents from satellite data.
Methinks this is where Alex will be looking very very closely at the data, and for alternate options.
Contrary to some other posts, I dont believe that Alex following Armel is a good strategy. In the two high pressure zones, it is mostly first in first out. If Alex takes the safe, 'follow Amel' option, then he is (almost) guaranteed only 2nd place. But taking a gamble on a different option will still see him in 2nd anyway if it doesnt pay off, and with a chance of the win if it does.
Alex seems to be shaping up to head through this high pressure, low wind area, more to the East than Armel, and riding his current wind a little further than Armel managed.
And we also know they are also choosing their route through based on the favorable currents from satellite data.
Methinks this is where Alex will be looking very very closely at the data, and for alternate options.
XTE
Well-Known Member
And after this area of light wind The Welsh, as they like to call him, is likely to be on a starboard tack to the finish line. I think he has it in the bag.
WhiskeyTownRacer
Well-Known Member
That might be a little premature, but we can certainly hope!
On another note, a general thanks to all those who've posted links to updates etc the coverage has turned out to be rather better than I'd hoped based on the first day or two.
Daydream believer
Well-Known Member
What ? 20 extra people on a yachting forum??
I made that sarcastic comment not to take the P out of you ( so apologies) but to describe the apparent interest shown in the British media about a fantastic sporting event taking place on the world stage.
Still,,, all been said before i suppose
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LePacha
Well-Known Member
If you were sarcastic, you'd have noticed that the interest of most of the forumers is linked to the chance of AT bagging it, not to the race itself.
NormanB
Well-Known Member
A tad presumptive that based on forum posts you know what people think and enjoy. Do you give share tips too?
Tomahawk
Well-Known Member
COME ON.. you know it's not over till ...
Remember he hit a floating object on the way down the pond.. which saw to the foil...
Equally Armel could still hit something? as could Alex again.
The next 24 hours are crucial
zoidberg
Well-Known Member
Certainly the leaders' battle is fascinating - under 75 miles now - but there's plenty going on further back.... Beyou continues to gain a bit here and there and, having chickened out of the Choiseaux Channel, is now past the Falkland Isles..... Dick and Le Cam are closing on The Horn and picking up better breeze.... while there's lots to play for further back. I'm hoping the Irishman Enda O'Coineen gets sorted soon and has favourable systems to help him along.
LePacha
Well-Known Member
Just read the comments and the frequency, put it in perspective with AT's results.
Not pretending I am right, or that this is an exact "science". Just find it funny, and if a coincidence, quite extraordinary. No reason to be all upset about it. But I sincerely doubt there would be that much interest without a Brit in the race...
Take the Coville thread and you'll understand what I mean.
Tomahawk
Well-Known Member
I will happily admit I am paying more attention on account of Alex.
He does deserve to win it sometimes..
PS anyone watched is version of Jingle Bells ?
He does deserve to win it sometimes..
PS anyone watched is version of Jingle Bells ?
Kelpie
Well-Known Member
Are people paying more attention than in previous years because they like to back a winner? There have historically been a greater number if British boats than this year, but they have been further down the field.
Seven Spades
Well-Known Member
I follow it avidly. Mike Golding, Sam Davies, Dee and Alex and not forgetting RKJ have all provided British interest in the past. However of there was no British interest it wold be a passing interest to me.
I am very disappointed that there is only one British entry this time but that is simply because the British Media take no interest. Our only hope of mainstream interest is if Ben does it. He is probably the only one who has a chance of waking up the BBC but I wouldn't bet on it.
I am very disappointed that there is only one British entry this time but that is simply because the British Media take no interest. Our only hope of mainstream interest is if Ben does it. He is probably the only one who has a chance of waking up the BBC but I wouldn't bet on it.
Andrew E
Well-Known Member
Indeed, the BBC and the Royals go mad for BAR.
Alex winning the VG might wake them all up.
Win or lose Alex deserves a bloody massive flotilla through the Solent. Maybe RN could send a few ships out.
Alex winning the VG might wake them all up.
Win or lose Alex deserves a bloody massive flotilla through the Solent. Maybe RN could send a few ships out.
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BigJoe
Well-Known Member
Alex is taking The Boss well east of the Rhumb line, so although he is now going significantly faster, he is not gaining miles at the same rate
Triassic
Well-Known Member
Excuse my ignorance but doesn't this little jaunt finish on the west coast of France...... I appreciate Alex will need to get home at some point but is he likely to be sailing back in HB?
Daydream believer
Well-Known Member
No! he is going on holiday with his kids in the Caribbean, so by the time we see him here we would have forgotten him anyway
roblpm
Well-Known Member
9pm update 34nm.
He must run out of wind soon though?
He must run out of wind soon though?
matt1
Well-Known Member
Yeah, still a long long way to go with plenty of obstacles in Alex's way but my excitement is building. He has already (to my biased mind) won the "media" race with his very upbeat and smile inducing videos - sadly lacking of late, but we will let him off for that! His sponsors must be very happy I would have thought. Go Alex, go!