Girls on top

Hugo Boss skipper Alex Thomson shares his take on the Vendee Globe

The Xmas and New Year break for us may have been pleasant but for those out there in the Southern Ocean, it has been horrendous. The weather in the Southern Ocean has been much worse than the previous two races and with the expanded fleet size the problems have been very apparent.

The rescue of Yann Ellies and Jean Le Cam have captivated us and we are all in awe of the seamanship and assistance given by Vincent Riou, Marc Guillmout and Sam Davies. When I heard of the incidents with Yann and Jean, I could imagine myself in their situation and it made me feel sick not only for them but also for their families, shore crew and sponsors, all of whom would be feeling some sort of responsibility.

Vincent’s rescue of Jean was incredible and although it was a real shame for PRB to be dismasted, it was a small price to pay for Jean’s life. I am full of admiration for the way that Yann dealt with his broken leg, to crawl back to the cockpit and stay alive and motivated for two days was something else and we are all grateful of the help from the Australian Navy.

Since Christmas we have seen the retirement of BT, Spirit of Canada, Virbac, Artemis, VM Materiaux and PRB bringing the racers that are still on the course to 12, thats only 40% still out there and racing. I was asked countless times before the race ‘how many boats would finish?’ and my answer was that 60% would not. Now it is obviously going to be more than that, but probably not by much and the question that everyone asks me now ‘is it acceptable that there are only 40% still out there’?

There is no doubt that the Vendee Globe is the most difficult sporting challenge in our world today and so it should not be easy. Dominique Wavre, the President of IMOCA was quoted a few days ago: “The Vendée Globe is a race without outside assistance, which intrinsically means it is a race of elimination” and I could not agree with this more.

Of those still racing Mich Des on Foncia is doing an amazing job with Bilou on Veolia close behind. Veolia is four years older and has of course done many more miles than Foncia so I would not be at all surprised if Foncia suffered a problem of some sort that slowed him down and allowed Bilou to get close and personal!

Not that far behind in fourth place we have all got to be so impressed by the performance of Sam Davies on Roxy. Not only has she been fast, her reports back have been fascinating to read and she is on a boat that is eight years old - incredible. Brian Thompson on Pindar is also doing a sterling job, having had to constantly rebuild the boat over the last four weeks. Laminating onboard is never easy but when one is in the cold and wet of the Southern Ocean it is virtually impossible and Brian is managing to keep in touch and keep is boat in one piece.

I really felt for Jonny onboard Artemis who was tackling all the challenges he was facing when his mainsail forced retirement. There is nothing worse than having a problem that is not of your doing and not having any control over the situation. Dee has similar problems with her mainsail which again must be so frustrating, but she is managing just fine and I really hope that the mainsail does not get any worse. Dee is in 8th place right now with Brian just behind, the girls really are leading the way for us Brits!

Alex