From the Feedback - 19/1/01

We'll be publishing the choicest moments from the stuff you send us - but each contribution may or may not be subjected to a rigorous process of editing for language, taste and imparted wisdom. And of course, as they so famously say at the start of anything like this, the opinions expressed in From the Feedback do not necessarily reflect those of the management, staff or investors of madforsport.com. Instead, and much more importantly, they reflect your views.

From Dean Norris,
PlayStation retires. I believe Steve Fossett's decision reflects good seamanship and discounts the criticisms from others that The Race was a disaster in the making. His rational decision to not enter the Southern Ocean unprepared is a reflection of the experience and professionalism found at this level of competitive sailing.

From Steve,
Team Philips, good or bad for British sailing? There is room for both professionalism and gifted amateurism. And nowhere in the world can accommodate that quirky mix better than the UK. Plus, would any straightforward, single-minded and dedicated (and maybe boring) professional risk their reputation by trying the untried. No, they are about reducing risk and keeping their eye on the ultimate goal, winning. A laudable aim but not one that pushes technology to its limit and beyond.

From George,
What must Fedor Konyokhov be thinking as he waddles through the Southern Ocean, 6000 miles from the Horn as the leaders round that rock? "I will finish the race - slowly - but surely."

From Bear Cheese,
So how many will finish? I think that the five that are left will finish. Cam Lewis' Team Adventure has the best chance of falling out of the race just because of their competitive nature. If they don't start taking it easy, they're going to have one hell of a wreck. Time will tell. My money is on Club Med to win, Team Legato to place, and Innovation Explorer to show.

Editor's note: Sent before Cam bailed out, and with considerable foresight!

From Rob Holmes,
This Saturday, 13th January 2001, after I'd been out racing, I went to the Fremantle Sailing Club to have a look at the retired Vendee Globe boat "Old Spice". No sign of the skipper unfortunately, as I would like to have spoken to him. No matter how many photographs you look at, when you get to see one of these Open 60s in real life it is absolutely gobsmacking! How one person can control a boat that size, I have no idea - let alone Ellen MacArthur who is probably a third smaller than myself. I must have stood there for about half an hour with my mouth open, just taking in the magnitude of the sails, rigging and controls. The skippers have my highest admiration.

From Barbara Buiel ,
How many do you think will finish The Race? Equipment failure seems the dominant feature in retiring boats. Each should have at least two backups. Christophe Augin said, "I have won the race (Vendee Globe 1996-97) before it has started because I have multi-backups for the systems," (not an exact quote). So I have watched and decided that, if three finish that will be extraordinary. I have never trusted carbon fibre since the failure of rudders in the disastrous Fastnet Race over 20 years ago. I still don't trust it. The chances of those big cats hitting growlers at the speed they are going and the fact that icebergs do not show up on the radar is very scary. What ever PlayStation hit, or did not hit, after only 15% of the race also tells me that perhaps the dagger boards should have backups! Let us hope that she reaches Florida okay.

From Sandy Takacs,
Do you agree? Let`s have your opinion! Pete Goss' efforts have no bearing whatsoever on Britain's heralded accomplishments in the Olympics. Yes, Pete took big chances and gambled some, but that was his choice, his gamble. Did not Columbus take a big gamble when setting out for the New World? Pete did not intentionally steal media attention away from other formidable challenges and accomplishments. He received the attention because of his big dream, gamble, undertaking (whatever you want to call it). It captured the attention of the public because there was risk involved, a new idea. Don't berate the guy for taking a challenge on. Commend him. For every success there are a hundred failures.

From Brian Hatley
I notice from your report that PlayStation has pulled out with concern for crew safety and sail durability. When a sturdy boat like that pulls the plug, one must hope that Tony will take note - it's not just himself on this venture, the Southern Ocean is no place to play games. Ask our Ellen, she is worthy of a hero`s welcome, although the national media (TV) don't seem to consider her valiant efforts worthy of much coverage. I would have thought that her progress would make news and make us proud of our true Brit.