Yearning for the finish

Jean-Luc van den Heede considers the end of his epic round the world voyage

Day 103. Position at 1300: 4°14'S / 9°03'W
Wind: 17 knots from SE. Slight sea.
Temperatures: day 27°C / night 19°C / sea 26°C
Distance covered in the last 24 hours: 239 miles.
To the finish 4,086 miles.
Lead over Monnet: 26 days and 13 hours.

Hi there,

Some major news! I've taken out the final chart of my voyage, the one showing the North Atlantic, which begins at 5° south. The next chart that I'll be taking out will be the detailed one of the finishing line off Ushant. With each change of chart, I really feel like another leg is over. The feeling is even greater, when I pass a Cape that I can't see like Leeuwin.

After crossing the finishing line (planned for week 11), I shan't be stopping in Brest. I'll be off immediately to Les Sables d'Olonne (with a crew this time), where Adrien will then be able to have a well-deserved rest in her homeport.

The weather for the next few days seems to be very good. After an incredible Cape Horn with 40-knot easterlies and a Cape of Good Hope downwind (which is slightly less remarkable), I may well be getting the Doldrums reduced to a minimum presence, if things develop as forecast. Which just goes to show that good fortune comes to those who are prepared to wait!

See you tomorrow,

JL VDH

A day with the cuddly toy from the Regional Council of the Pays de la Loire Region, stowed on board Adrien by Idée d'image.