From the Feedback - 15/1/01

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 J Falsone,
Will Cam blow by the big blue machine? From what I know of Cam from 505 sailing, he won't pass up the opportunity to streak past Club Med. However, based on recent "Camgrams", I detect an element of caution in Cam that obviously seeks to temper his renowned cavalier style. So, yes, I do think there will be lead changes, and Cam will go by Club Med at some point, but I don't think Cam will do so at the risk of damaging the boat - at least not until they are closer to the finish! You could check out my recent interview with Cam in the Winter 2000 issue of "Tank Talk", the magazine of the 505 American Section.

From Matt Critchley,
Have you tried the Powercleat? I have borrowed an RS400 which had the Powercleat fitted and thought that whilst a great piece of kit, it did not suit my style of sailing; I prefer not to use a mainsheet jammer at all! For those who do however, it should prove to be very easy to cleat/uncleat. From the RS400 class rules under permitted alterations and additions: The following parts or equipment may be replaced providing that the replacement is of a similar type and performs the same function. The replacement parts or equipment may be obtained from any supplier... Cam cleats. The same is also true for all RS Classes. Over to the individual owners!

From John Corby,
If you have an opinion, then why not voice it here? Britain's participation in The Race is comical to put it mildly - but I can't help liking Bullimore and his roguish ability to make things happen. He is actually participating in The Race and achieving media impressions for his sponsor, and more than anyone else from the UK has achieved for this event. Goss had the luxury of positive media support and money but used it incorrectly. His project was a total disaster and has not enhanced the reputation of the British marine industry abroad. I design and build boats and wouldn't want this one on my CV.

From Dej Mav,
Can Ellen still win it? Ellen is just great and deserves due admiration, but how Michel started his engine shows that he's also a great inventor and he can manage the tough situations. After all what does it mean to win a Vendee Globe? I believe that going around the world in a great performance is a victory no matter what the final position.

From Stefan Ejnarsson,
Unbelievable stamina?I think the unbelievable strength and stamina shown by the Vendee Globe sailors turns all other endurance sports quite pale when compared. They are for most of the time in the Southern Ocean, cold, wet and exhausted from not sleeping enough. On top of that they have to sail a overpowered beast of a boat, a boat that's much more complex than a Volvo Ocean 60, and much faster and rougher to sail. All this alone! Just think about it for a while. Imagine yourself on this boat, the wind is blowing 50 knots, it's pitch dark, you know there might be icebergs straight in front of your boat that are not showing on your radar. And you're surfing down a wave at 23 knots, and you think that's a bit much and decide to put another reef in your main. You leave the radar and step on deck, because no one else will put the reef in, because you are alone! Everyone that is down there alone, and everyone that has been there alone - you are my heroes.

From Mike Ahrenberg,
Can Ellen recover? I think Ellen is in a bit of trouble right now. The enemy is not so much breaking gear, but the lack of sleep, letting the thoughts in your head run away with you. Staying focused is hard especially in such conditions where you are all the time running an inventory of your equipment. Calculating whether or not your physical strength and stamina is enough, after all you can do just so much. If Ellen could start focusing on two things, eat a bit and take a good nap. The race is by no means over yet. Then with a new bearing on things the race is under way again. The trouble is she is just worked up a bit too much so she cannot relax. From reports I gather the wind is shifting a bit to and fro and the water is choppy, but with the genoa up and a suitable course Ellen could rest. Ellen will recover, provided she can fix her gennaker, but as things are I think she might face headwinds on the east side of the Horn. In such weather the gennaker is of no help and she has a chance to mend the sail, because it should be up again after the Doldrums. But before that there´s much sailing to be done.

From Rene,
Second round the Horn? Ellen will be second around, no doubt in my mind! This gal has what it takes and despite her tone in the report today about being totally fed up - she will pull through and will be second around. Lack of sleep can be a mind breaker and she obviously needs a bit, (she is one tired gal) but those with truly strong determination can keep going on for a hell of a long time. And while it is hell for Ellen, I know she's such an immensely strong character - she will show us all how it is done. Her determination will pull her around in second. Tell her I say she can and will do it, and sleep will come when her determination tells her she can.

From Mike Bees,
Editor bashing. Just a quick note for one or two of the recent contributors. Be aware that one of the jobs of an editor is to write editorials. An editorial usually expresses the opinions of the editor. He has the right to express his opinions, and we have the right to agree or disagree and express our opinions. By all means point out where you think he's wrong and where you think he's right, but don't tell him he doesn't have the right to comment - because he does!