cherod
N/A
it would seem that she has never been in the South before , did she know what she was letting herself in for ,, maybe she should not be there .
Vendee Globe and Alex Thomson / Hugo Boss
- Thread starter RichardS
- Start date
Ravi
Active member
I've found Pip Hare's interviews to be wonderfully honest and candid. No bravado or bullshit. Just a sharing of her thoughts and emotions. She must also be pretty damn tough to get where she has against all the odds. I hope that she has a particularly good race.
ridgy
Well-known member
Pips whole campaign has been based around the current topic of mental health and broadcasting emotional videos etc. As a result she landed sponsorship with a company that deals in employee emotions and all that good stuff and thus made the start line.
There are plenty of rufty tufty sailors looking for sponsorship who "should be there" but haven't found their usp. There's one on the vendee live show nearly every day.
Whether she really is as worried as she makes out or she's just playing a good game for the sponsor i don't know. However having met her a couple of times I think shes just being herself and vocalising what anyone with half a brain would think when approaching "the south" for the first time.
Ravi
Active member
As you rightly point out they are designed to float free, (and usually be water activated), so it would be interesting to know his thought process for attempting to fix it to the boat. I Imagine more information may be forthcoming once things settle.
In fact, he had already contacted his team to say that he was going to abandon at that point. (!By text!!?!)
As Roberto pointed out his explanation for why he was trying to mount it outside was that he worried that he had experienced problems with the (?saloon wall?) carbon fibre affecting EPIRB transmission on a previous boat. So, one can only think that he thought the boat position was significant, despite being ready to abandon.. Perhaps he was concerned about the efficacy of the transmission of his PLB - a concern that was justified as it sounds like base was getting only intermittent signals. JLC would almost certainly have been able to locate him easier if he had taken the fully powered PLB with him, as you and others suggest.
The very readable article that you link to doesn't actually say the the "most powerful ePIRB available" should be removed and taken to the liferaft which is ironic since it starts by emphasising the importance of knowing 'the details' of abandoning ship. With it becoming increasingly common for EPIRBS being included in lifefraft kits and for crew to wear PLBs, it would be good to have the best practice explicitly stated.
Perhaps, the writer of the article makes the reasonable assumption that most people have a single EPIRB and that any spare sheckles are spent on Dyneema, chain and rum!
One thing which this rescue has made me reflect on is that, seemingly, Escoffier had no VHF contact with Le Cam. With AA battery powered handheld VHFs very affordable and not much bigger than a packet of fags, it would seem sensible for one of be part of the life raft pack.
The problem of locating Escoffier in the dark also brought to mind a business idea that a friend of mine was excited by. His idea was a long length of floating LED strobe lights to stream behind a life raft for when the wave heights were greater than the raft height. Discussing it in the balmy heat of a Med harbour it seemed daft but, maybe, not.
Ravi
Active member
Just like Charlie Dalin, then!
As an experienced yachting journalist who has lived and breathed her life around yachting people, completed multiple transatlantic races and set her sights on this race, I, respectfully, suggest that she probably knows more about this race than the average Internet keyboard warrior.
Or maybe she should. Although the boats behind her probably wish they were where Pip is. Especially since she is sailing the oldest boat in the race and outperforming them.
Why do we have this trolling about Pip Hare but a similarly brave and adventurous sailor like Huusela is lauded as a plucky amateur?
I don't suppose it could be because Pip Hare is a woman, could it?
ridgy
Well-known member
All nice thoughts but had kevin have been able to enjoy an orderly evacuation then he would have taken various devices with him and been picked up much sooner. You can have all the rules and grab bags you want but this was a very rapid and unique disaster. No doubt there will be new safety rules in 2024 to accommodate the new phenomenon of boats snapping in half and sinking on the spot.
Ravi
Active member
Here is a little synopsis of where we are at with the race leaders ......
The race is at a fascinating stage.
Subject to mishaps, Dalin, Burton and Ruyant are the main players. With the quixotically pacey Sebastien Simon out the race, there is an eminent and dangerous pack lurking behind. Herman, Bestavan, Dutreux, Seguin, Pedote and Le Cam are all between 5 and 6 hundred miles behind, ready to pounce on any opportunity. Many of these, including Le Cam, have a 'yet to be determined' allowance for their part in the Escoffier's rescue. Dalin has said that he has resolved not to look at the routes of the people behind him but, if he is to sneak an uneasy peak at anyone's, it would not be surprising if it was Jean Le Cam.
Of the breakaway leaders, Ruyant has the handicap of a damaged boat but has been keeping pace with Dalin, He is very much sailing on Dalin's shoulder and following a similar route. Burton has gambled on a Southern course and it is serving him well. By sailing just above the exclusion zone over the last two days he has narrowed Dalin's lead from 302 to 232 miles and he has the better racing line to cut the corner to Kerguelen.
For all of them, the next objective is the best course to the Kerguellen corner.
So, what is ahead?
The big factor at the minute is the weather system that is moving North and affecting the front three leaders. This will bring winds of 30-45 knots and 6 metre seas. For most sailors the last concern in these conditions is maximising the speed of the boat. But on the Vendee Globe race, that is always in the mind.
Ruyant, who is already the furthest North of the three, has headed sharply North to avoid the worst of the weather. His best course is 110 degrees and he is sailing 45 degrees. He will plan to jibe to the SE soon, though, to use the wind and avoid the currents. In the mean time, that is wasted miles.
Dalin has also made a move North to steer clear of the pressure system. Comparatively, his course of 65 degrees is not as far from his preferred course of 100 degrees. Currently, he is ahead of the storm but it is catching up with him. His problem is that the storm will be moving between him and his destination so he will have the choice of sailing into the bigger winds or staying North and making a late and acute turn South. Dalin has sailed conservatively since entering the Southern ocean so he may well opt for the more cautious Northern route.
Burton's Southward course left him little chance of escape from the new weather system that is affecting the leaders. He has headed sharply North on a course of 45 degrees but his Southerly position means that his VMG is still comparable with Dalin's. His course North should avoid the most severe wind and sea but he has already passing his route's worst point of exposure to the conditions . Tomorrow, while Dalin is still blocked off by the moving system, he will be able to jibe early towards his preferred course towards the Kerguellen corner. Psychologically, much will depend on how Burton fares after his immersion in the heart of this first Southern storm. It is sure to affect his decision making for the trip to Cape Horn. Will it make him more cautious and conservative? Or will it give him added belief in his boat and his own abilities? it will all play out in the weeks ahead.
With the depression sitting between Charlie and his short term destination, my prediction is that Burton will make further inroads into the lead over the next 36 hours.
But there are so many factors. While Dalin and Burton sit close to the fire, perhaps Ruyant's cautious route will give him the rest and the strength for battles ahead. Certainly, he has been successful in hanging on to Dalin's coat tails despite his boat's disadvantage.
Whatever else, a great race.
The race is at a fascinating stage.
Subject to mishaps, Dalin, Burton and Ruyant are the main players. With the quixotically pacey Sebastien Simon out the race, there is an eminent and dangerous pack lurking behind. Herman, Bestavan, Dutreux, Seguin, Pedote and Le Cam are all between 5 and 6 hundred miles behind, ready to pounce on any opportunity. Many of these, including Le Cam, have a 'yet to be determined' allowance for their part in the Escoffier's rescue. Dalin has said that he has resolved not to look at the routes of the people behind him but, if he is to sneak an uneasy peak at anyone's, it would not be surprising if it was Jean Le Cam.
Of the breakaway leaders, Ruyant has the handicap of a damaged boat but has been keeping pace with Dalin, He is very much sailing on Dalin's shoulder and following a similar route. Burton has gambled on a Southern course and it is serving him well. By sailing just above the exclusion zone over the last two days he has narrowed Dalin's lead from 302 to 232 miles and he has the better racing line to cut the corner to Kerguelen.
For all of them, the next objective is the best course to the Kerguellen corner.
So, what is ahead?
The big factor at the minute is the weather system that is moving North and affecting the front three leaders. This will bring winds of 30-45 knots and 6 metre seas. For most sailors the last concern in these conditions is maximising the speed of the boat. But on the Vendee Globe race, that is always in the mind.
Ruyant, who is already the furthest North of the three, has headed sharply North to avoid the worst of the weather. His best course is 110 degrees and he is sailing 45 degrees. He will plan to jibe to the SE soon, though, to use the wind and avoid the currents. In the mean time, that is wasted miles.
Dalin has also made a move North to steer clear of the pressure system. Comparatively, his course of 65 degrees is not as far from his preferred course of 100 degrees. Currently, he is ahead of the storm but it is catching up with him. His problem is that the storm will be moving between him and his destination so he will have the choice of sailing into the bigger winds or staying North and making a late and acute turn South. Dalin has sailed conservatively since entering the Southern ocean so he may well opt for the more cautious Northern route.
Burton's Southward course left him little chance of escape from the new weather system that is affecting the leaders. He has headed sharply North on a course of 45 degrees but his Southerly position means that his VMG is still comparable with Dalin's. His course North should avoid the most severe wind and sea but he has already passing his route's worst point of exposure to the conditions . Tomorrow, while Dalin is still blocked off by the moving system, he will be able to jibe early towards his preferred course towards the Kerguellen corner. Psychologically, much will depend on how Burton fares after his immersion in the heart of this first Southern storm. It is sure to affect his decision making for the trip to Cape Horn. Will it make him more cautious and conservative? Or will it give him added belief in his boat and his own abilities? it will all play out in the weeks ahead.
With the depression sitting between Charlie and his short term destination, my prediction is that Burton will make further inroads into the lead over the next 36 hours.
But there are so many factors. While Dalin and Burton sit close to the fire, perhaps Ruyant's cautious route will give him the rest and the strength for battles ahead. Certainly, he has been successful in hanging on to Dalin's coat tails despite his boat's disadvantage.
Whatever else, a great race.
john_morris_uk
Well-known member
You’re entitled to your opinion, but I think (with any respect due) it’s patronising nonsense. As I’ve said elsewhere, I’ve been in the Southern Ocean more than once (albeit on a ship!) and I take my hat off to all of them. Her apprehension is reasonable and logical and well expressed. If anyone was in an IMOCA doing their sorts of speeds in the pitch black and in such a remote part of our planet and didn’t feel what she feels, they’re fools.
She happened to be open and honest about it and you have the nerve to suggest she shouldn’t be there.
Is it stopping her? Is she heaving to at night or slowing down?
Go and do what she’s doing and then come back and comment.
Tomahawk
Well-known member
If you are not apprehensive in the Southern Ocean... you are a fudging (other expletives are available) ... idiot. Even the most experienced racers will be mindful of the hazards. Five boats have been damaged by various events. One sunk in a matter of minutes. There is no one but other cometitors for miles and miles and miles and miles.
Meanwhile Sodeabo has passed Charall and is about to take Merci, Shark and DMG Mori.
NormanB
Well-known member
Has that actually been announced or speculation?
Frogmogman
Well-known member
AFAIK the position remains that Sebastien is heading North, trying to get out of the worst of the conditions, to be able to properly evaluate the damage and if possible to effect a repair.
ARKEA PAPREC fait route pour se mettre à l’abri et gérer les dégâts sur le foil | Team Arkéa Paprec
capnsensible
Well-known member
I bet she wishes she had your armchair with her.......?
Frogmogman
Well-known member
Not sure Alex Thomson totally understands the concept of "nursing his broken boat to Cape Town".
Fastest in the fleet this morning, at 20.5 kts.
Fastest in the fleet this morning, at 20.5 kts.
E39mad
Well-known member
Everybody has to have a first time otherwise nobody would go!
TLouth7
Active member
A minor correction, she isn't in the oldest boat in the fleet.
newtothis
Well-known member
Don't be ridiculous. Anyone doing the Southern Ocean for the first time should have done it at least once before, otherwise how would they know what it is like. People who have never done the VG before should be barred from doing the VG.
flaming
Well-known member
If I replied to that with what I actually think, I'd be thrown off the forums. But it is one of the very daftest things I've ever seen on this forum.
I know Pip well, she's been building towards the Vendee since before I first met her, in 2006. Even before then she'd sailed the Atlantic single handed. Since then she's done so I think at least 6 more times, in everything from a mini transat to an IMOCA. Plus a fair few crewed or doublehanded crossings.
There probably isn't a sailor in the fleet who hasn't already done the Vendee who's better prepared then Pip in terms of Ocean miles. There is only one race that takes IMOCAs into the southern Ocean though, and that's the Vendee. There's a reason why it's the pinnacle of the sport, and of course everyone who does it has to have a first time.
What Pip really is though, is honest. Of course she's a bit scared. It's the Southern Ocean, alone, on a 60 foot surfboard. You'd have to be bloody mental not to be a bit scared to take that on. But on her first day riding a Southern Ocean low she smashed through 400 miles. I could not be more chuffed for her, and more proud to call her a friend.
And you think maybe she shouldn't be there...
cherod
N/A
yes she is doing alright , 340 miles in the last 24 hours ,, good on her . ,, pity the other english wifey seems to be out tho .
cherod
N/A
totally agree with some of that but some is nonsense ,,, if i went and did it i would not whinge about it ,, either do it or dont .