VDH enters Trades

But is taking a very different route to record holder Philippe Monnet

Frenchman Jean-Luc van den Heede is now back on track in his bid to set a new record for sailing singlehanded non-stop around the world westabout against the prevailing winds. Since starting last Tuesday he is now entering the north easterly Trade Wind belt. Aboard his 26m purpose-built yacht Adrien, he is sailing a more direct route than that taken by the current record holder Philippe Monnet.

In the light conditions the bearded giant says he has hardly slept in order to keep his boat on track. "I'm not making as good progress as I would like," he said in a radio interview from the boat. "I have not made a large average since yesterday midday as I spent the night under spinnaker with a small, highly variable wind of less than 10 knots from the north east."

After initially making good progression over Monnet's record VDH saw this crumble over Friday and Saturday. However he has now entered the Trades and in his latest report said he had good 35 knot winds, although he was grumbling that the boat was quite a beast to handle on his own in these conditions.

VDH said that although his position technically put him ahead of Monnet's track for the same period, because their routes are so different he wanted to wait until he was a week out before commenting on his progress. He hopes to be passing the Canaries tomorrow (Tuesday).

Morale seems to be good on board for what will be his fifth circumnavigation. "I still have fresh fruit and onions for several days. Otherwise I've only got two meals of fresh food left." These will be washed down with a drop or two from Adrien's famous wine cellar. There is no news about the three goldfish and two turbot VDH has with him as house guests.