Friday start?

Jean-Luc van den Heede may set sail on his non-stop westabout round the world voyage this week

Expert weather forecaster and router Pierre Lasnier has indicated that a suitable weather window may be emerging to allow Jean-Luc van den Heede and his yacht Adrien to set sail this Friday.

If this schedule proves correct then the former maths teacher and serial singlehanded round the world sailor will set sail from Les Sables d'Olonne around lunchtime on Thursday in order to cross the start line on Friday. At this time the wind off Ushant is expected to be from the northwest at around 15-20 knots.

"It is perfect on paper," commented VDH, "but I will make my official decision tomorrow morning."