The situation is complicated: The Vendée field is sailing into a channel between two highs with little wind, and the skippers have to decide how they want to sail around their windless core. The options for this were already apparent yesterday: either turn directly to the east, with the risk of getting caught between the two pressure areas because you follow their direction of movement. But this option saves miles. Or to pass between the two and then "jump on" one of the approaching areas of low pressure with strong winds from a clear direction earlier. The price for the higher speed is the significantly longer distance sailed.
Leading Armel Le Cléac'h and Alex Thomson ("Hugo Boss") opted for the first option yesterday. Second-placed François Gabart ("Macif") chose the southern option, as did third-placed Jean-Pierre Dick ("Paprec-Virbac 3"). As a result, the skippers following the southern route lost a lot of miles on the leader last night, investing in a long-term strategy, so to speak. It will be interesting to see which tactic pays off. The problem is less dramatic for the chasing pack, led by the Brit Mike Golding ("Gamesa") and Jean Le Cam ("Synerciel"), as they are probably not as badly affected by the two highs as the five leading boats.
Otherwise, the aftermath of the retirement of co-favourite Vincent Riou and his "PRB" dominated the discussion among the skippers yesterday. After a collision with a buoy, the Frenchman had to abandon his plans to repair the damage to the bow and shrouds. He was therefore ruled out of the race.
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
