For Lennart Burke and Melwin Fink, stage three at Globe40 had no Christmas presents in store. On the contrary: After her boomerang break in the Indian Ocean, they had to abandon leg three from La Réunion to Sydney in the middle of the Indian Ocean and make the difficult journey back to the starting harbour. It took them around two weeks at an average boat speed of a handful of knots. They didn't want to put any additional strain on their already vulnerable Class40 mast with more speed.
Caught on the 1st Advent, back before the 3rd Advent
In their own words, the German Globe40 challengers experienced their abrupt end to the stage as follows: "We were caught out on the first Advent: the boomerang, a central mast component, broke and the top shroud lost its attachment. We secured the mast and carefully sailed on in the fourth reef. Instead of heading for Sydney, we decided to return to La Réunion - the shortest route to assess the damage and carry out repairs."
We will make new plans here and want to get going again as soon as the extent of the damage is clear." Melwin Fink
The huge disappointment about the temporary technical knockout on the first circumnavigation had already been mixed with gratitude on the long and difficult journey back to La Réunion, which was released on 13 December when they arrived in the port of St Paul. The team said to the team and fans: "We are very grateful for our safe arrival and thank you for your support with encouraging words and for keeping your fingers crossed! A happy third Advent to you all!"
The Next Generation Boating Around the World team had left St. Paul on La Réunion on 22 November and started the third leg with the Globe40 fleet before a technical disaster shattered their dream of a successful first circumnavigation just over a week later. Lennart Burke and Melwin Fink had finished in the top three in the prologue and the first two legs, putting the favourites under considerable pressure. They were in second place in the intermediate classification when their hopes of a complete lap around the world and a strong podium finish were dashed.
Globe40: The low followed the highs
A return to the race for the start of the fourth stage on 1 January in Sydney has not been possible since the decision in favour of a safe return to La Rénuion. A return to the race at the start of the fifth stage on 18 February in Valparaioso also seems hardly feasible. The sixth and final leg from Recife to the start and finish port of Lorient begins on 29 March.
Before their low blow, the two co-skippers from Hamburg had impressed with their enthusiasm, will and ambition. They showed impressive team spirit, humour and also their cooking skills, solved problems and stepped on the gas again. They never let setbacks such as a lost or broken sail and a huge gap of more than 600 nautical miles to the leaders on leg two get them down. But even their fighting spirit could not overcome the final break.
Lennart Burke and Melwin Fink are not looking forward to a contemplative 3rd Advent at Globe40 after their shock retirement and the ongoing concern about the mast as they carefully feel their way back to La Réunion. However, they accepted their situation with professionalism and team spirit and reached a safe harbour for the time being. Initially deeply saddened and disappointed, they quickly forged new plans together with their team and rallied each other.
"Crédit Mutuel" wins stage three
For the time being, it remains to be seen when and where the team will be able to enter Globe40 again. Lennart Burke and Melwin Fink have now reached the island for the second time in a month, which they only knew about from hearsay before setting off on their circumnavigation. Spare parts are due to arrive there in the coming days. Following thorough examinations and repairs, a plan to re-enter the race around the world will then be finalised.
In the meantime, Ian Lipinski and Amélie Grassi won the third stage. The French mixed duo completed the leg from La Réunion to Sydney in 19 days, 18 hours, 53 minutes and 43 seconds. The theoretical 5120 nautical miles sailed over ground turned into 9482 kilometres. In a phase lasting four days, the top favourites of the circumnavigation on Class 40 yachts even managed 400 nautical miles per day as if in a frenzy.
We are so, so, so satisfied and happy!" Amélie Grassi
Their closest pursuers from Team Belgium Ocean Racing - Curium were still at sea on Saturday evening and travelling at less than a handful of knots, but were expected to arrive in Sydney on the night of the third Sunday in Advent. Behind them, the crew on the French "Free Dom" are fighting for their first podium place in the Globe40.
Storm awaits the Globe40 chasers in the Bass Strait
Austria's Lisa Berger and her co-skipper Jade Edwards-Leaney were in fifth place on "Wilson Around the World" looking forward to a stormy passage through Bass Strait, which will soon also be the stage for the Australian Christmas classic Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. Early on Saturday morning, Lisa Berger gave a preview of what will probably be her last three days at sea.
Lisa Berger wrote: "Over the last few days, we have been keeping a very close eye on the low-pressure system that is currently approaching us. This has made us a little nervous, as the strongest winds with gusts of around 50 knots will hit us exactly when we pass the famous Bass Strait, which is known for its dangerous waves and winds. None of us have been there before, so it's new territory for us."
He continues: "Seeing land again after such a long time at sea always makes me nervous, especially in the difficult conditions that await us. But it's okay, we're prepared and will be very careful so that 'Wilson' and we get through this low pressure area unscathed. And the good thing is that it's all before the wind." Click here for the Globe40 tracker.
French Globe40 joy in Sydney
The clip of the triumph of the winners of the third stage in Globe40: Ian Lipinski and Amélie Grassi successfully took revenge for the defeat they suffered in the triple final thriller on stage two, in which they were also beaten by Lennart Burke and Melwin Fink. Now Lipinski and Grassi won the section from La Réunion to Sydney in commanding style. The video shows their impressions of the final in the former Olympic area in front of the famous Opera House and their initial comments:
