Vendée Globe 2016-2017

They may compress a bit with the light winds coming up, which then appear to fill in from behind again. Maybe Alex is thinking that if they are say 30nm apart at the turn then maybe Armel might catch a lobster pot on the way down the coast. Who knows, but it is certainly looking increasingly unlikely.
 
AT has done a great job so far and he said at the outset his goals were, in order of priority, to finish, get a podium place, and win. God forbid that something happens now but that aside he will achieve two out of three of his goals and that's not bad. He has made many friends along the way with his great videos. He should be very proud. The shame is that the lack of media coverage means not enough people know what he has done.
 
Too late now!! Armel already making his turn. I just knew Alex should've gone east last night and given himself an early advantage.

I'm really hoping the French send up some helicopters to capture this epic battle down the Brittany coast.
 
Not sure I agree with the suggestion that Alex should have gone East as this would mean a slow beat to windward. These boats are not the easiest to make multiple tacks. Armel's "turn" is following the wind direction as it veers South. Still around another 24 hours until a lay line tack can be made. Timing of that tack could be crucial. This, plus the varying wind pattern and strength may play to Alex's advantage!
 
Heading East would have been really difficult, as it would have been a beat all the way to the finish. At least Alex is able to maximise the use of his Port foil until the turn, and then the reach down the coast will be easier - especially given that he will have reduced grip on the Port tack. Its a long shot for sure for Alex, but there will be some compression to come. Alex will be sailing in a stronger and freer breeze than Armel, who will see winds drop and head.
 
Fantastic stuff. The increase in speed that a better angle or stronger winds can make mean that Alex is still in with a good chance if he gets in the right place.

Just don't follow him, Alex!
 
Andrew E said:
57 miles. 3 knot better VMG.

Come on Alex!!
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There's a lot of racing left in this yet!

I trust Alex in his routing, he's not done bad sinc Cape Horn.

Also he wasn't to shabby on Port tack when they were in the lighter airs near the equator.

When and where this next tack is going in will be crucial but I'm hoping he'll keep closing.

If anyone can really push day and night it's Alex.

___________________________
 
And different winds. Armel is marking Alex. So even if Alex were to be faster because of different sailing conditions behind Armel, he would just end up catching up with him at the best, or experiencing the same sailing conditions which would allow Armel to keep some distance in between him and his follower.
Only things would be for Alex's boat to be much faster than Armel (and I don't believe it with those winds on this tack) or for Alex to find an opening and a different path - but the more he waits, the less this is likely.
But we should see him regaining some miles on Armel.
 
It's in the commercial interests of the various sponsors to have a tight 'neck-and-neck' at the end. That's not a cynical suggestion, but simply an observation.
 
zoidberg said:
It's in the commercial interests of the various sponsors to have a tight 'neck-and-neck' at the end. That's not a cynical suggestion, but simply an observation.
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I wouldn't at all accuse Alex of this... (as I think he is a 100% top guy and driving very hard) BUT....if you thought you had another Vendee in you (& intriguingly he commented in one of his videos that his family ambition is to cruise round the world in SEVEN years time?) it actually wouldn't be a bad thing to come second at this point. If he wins it wouldn't be impossible for HB to consider it "job done". Personally I still think he could pull this off. To me he seems to have had the measure of Armel in the lighter conditions and that 57 miles could be 45 by the next sched. Think I also read the foil was 250kg so missing one of them may help him. Doesn't look like there will be any foiling now. If it goes really light then anything can happen
 
I know the Volvo has some pretty close finished for some of its legs, but this is looking like it's going to turn into a real close match race towards the finishing line after a circumnavigation. Pretty unbelievable really.
 
zoidberg said:
It's in the commercial interests of the various sponsors to have a tight 'neck-and-neck' at the end. That's not a cynical suggestion, but simply an observation.
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I cannot believe it for a second. They are actually risking their life. Alex will do everything he can to win it. This is a major achievement in a sailor life.

Getting nervous despite my previous posts. I still really want to believe/think it's game over for Alex, but he's been such a great opponent that I hope Armel didn't tack too early. Hope I am reading the grids correctly...
 
AT's issue is that the foil provides lateral resistance as well as lift.
So on port tack, upwind he has lots of leeway.
Hes been on Starboard for a while now with his remaining foil working well has clawed the miles back.
Trouble is he's going to have to tack onto port shortly and unfortunately I can't see him gaining much after that.
 
matt1;5954669 Personally I still think he could pull this off. To me he seems to have had the measure of Armel in the lighter conditions and that 57 miles could be 45 by the next sched. Think I also read the foil was 250kg so missing one of them may help him. [B said:
Doesn't look like there will be any foiling now. If it goes really light then anything can happen [/B]
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+1
Could be two evenly matched boats. A beat right to the line. Wow !


Woodlouse said:
I know the Volvo has some pretty close finished for some of its legs, but this is looking like it's going to turn into a real close match race towards the finishing line after a circumnavigation. Pretty unbelievable really.
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+1
Incredible. 26,000nm and may be less than a mile or two at the end.

You couldn't make it up!

Come on, come on - COME ON, Alex
 
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