Vendee Globe 2024, Brits

[John_Silver]

Sam D has got to the bottom of her power blackout problems. Caused (if I've understood correctly) by the 'black box,' between her charging sources and the boat, shutting all power down, once a full charge was achieved (instead of cutting the charge supply to the batteries). Yesterday's stop (head to wind, in light airs, during the 14.00 sched 'speed gun' period) was (I'm guessing) to rewire the batteries, onto a back up system. Whilst stopped, Sam climbed the mast to replace the head lashing, on the square-top main. Hearing a loud sigh "like a wave echoing in a cave," she realised that a large Fin Whale had surfaced alongside. Which then swam behind the boat. Mesmerising Sam and leaving her with the feeling that the whale was watching out for her (again, if I've got the gist). By the time Sam thought to grab a camera, her companion had left.....

 

[John_Silver]

Andi's +72hr weather / fleet position prediction (from today's Live)



Breakaway by Charlie, Seb & Yoann. Bunching (possibly to the advantantage of the Sams) behind.....

EDIT: Some wisdom and wit, from Loick Peyron, regarding Jean Le Cam's tactics, and choice of a daggerboard boat 22.43 to 24.05 , were the highlight of the Live, for me. (Link should open it at the right place)

 

[Buck Turgidson]

Andi's +72hr weather / fleet position prediction (from today's Live)

View attachment 186649

Breakaway by Charlie, Seb & Yoann. Bunching (possibly to the advantantage of the Sams) behind.....

EDIT: Some wisdom and wit, from Loick Peyron, regarding Jean Le Cam's tactics, and choice of a daggerboard boat 22.43 to 24.05 highlight of the Live, for me. (Link should open it at the right place)

The predictions have already changed. As of 15:00 Europe

 

[ridgy]

I think most of the fleet is up for sale...

Quite afew up with Owen Clarke
https://www.owenclarkedesign.com/maxi-imoca-open60-racing-yacht-sales

Where do old imocas go? Like Ellen MacArthurs old boat that no longer qualifies. Guessing they are not really a.candidate for cruising conversions.

 

[John_Silver]

Wonder if Pip has boat shopping plans (and budget)? She moved pretty fast, after the 2020 Vendee Globe, to secure the current Medallia….
Heard any whispers @flaming?

 

[Buck Turgidson]

Quite afew up with Owen Clarke
https://www.owenclarkedesign.com/maxi-imoca-open60-racing-yacht-sales

Where do old imocas go? Like Ellen MacArthurs old boat that no longer qualifies. Guessing they are not really a.candidate for cruising conversions.

cruising conversion you say?

 

[flaming]

Wonder if Pip has boat shopping plans (and budget)? She moved pretty fast, after the 2020 Vendee Globe, to secure the current Medallia….
Heard any whispers @flaming?

I know she has no plans to retire.

 

[John_Silver]

To stand still, in disadvantage-by-boat-age terms, for 2028, Pip would need something like the 2020 Apivia. (Owned by Alex Thomson, skippered by Clarissa and racing as L’Ocittane, this time round). To move her competitive game on (as Pip did upgrading from Super Bigou to Medallia ll) she’d need one of the new Verdier or Koch boats, currently leading the fleet. Which would take some serious sponsor commitment. And would put her into a similar competitive position to Sam G, in this race.