Grey weather for VDH

Frenchman battles on across the Southern Ocean

Day 37. Position at 1300: 55°48S / 95°10W
Wind 30 knots from W. Sea: rough.
Temperature: day 8°C / night 5°C/ sea 6°C
Distance covered in the last 24 h: 221 miles. To the antemeridian 3,092 miles.
Lead over P. Monnet 7 days and 6 hours.

Hello

The weather’s very dull. It’s raining and the sea is rough, but in spite of all that, I’ve made good progress and so I’m quite happy.

I’m often asked whether I have made any changes to Adrien since last year. Apart from the repair work and a completely new rig, I tend to say no.

That’s wrong in fact! I did add something, which will make my life much easier in the south - a sort of canvas cover, which stretches out from the roof and offers some shelter to the front of the cockpit and winch area. That means that when I have a little adjustment to make, I no longer have to wrap up completely in boots and a sou’wester before going outside. I go out, as I am, do a couple of turns on the handle and it’s all done in a jiffy. It’s the life of Riley!

I’ve worked out that if I manage to get 5° West everyday, I’ll reach the antemeridian on New Year’s Day. Looking at it like that, as I will miss a day because of the time difference (6 hours with France at the moment), it will be quite something to miss New Year’s Day. I must get a move on!

See you tomorrow,

JL VDH

A weekend with Ethel Fortin’s cuddly toy, a pure white little dog.