The Brit has made up 34 nautical miles in the last 24 hours, but with only 350 nautical miles to go, that is probably too big a hurdle. Yesterday, both skippers were flown over by a French navy aircraft, both sailing in light winds and little swell at a speed of just over ten knots. Both skippers reported that everything was fine on board and that they were looking forward to crossing the finish line.
In addition to the problems with his autopilot, which is not working well because the wind indicator has only been provisionally repaired, Alex Thomson is now also struggling with the fact that his AIS is failing and he can only see the traffic around him at the last moment, only at a distance of around one to two miles, especially at night. Worse still, he is also not visible to the other boats. Not exactly good conditions for getting a few much-needed minutes of sleep.
Yesterday, Thomson sent a video from on board in which the Brit was delighted with his 24-hour record. However, he also mentioned the technical problems. He would fight to the end, he said; and that is indeed noticeable.
Alex Thomson also had his say again during the midday live broadcast from the Vendée organisers. The Brit sounded like a shadow of his former self, tired, and spoke in a slightly sluggish manner. No wonder, as it turned out that since yesterday his autopilot can no longer steer by wind angle and he only steers by compass course. This means additional stress and many waking hours. His team manager said that he was simply incredibly tired and exhausted.
His French counterpart held back with videos and comments, as is typical for the more reserved scene of the Breton offshore sailors. Only his somewhat harsh comment that he would prefer not to be put under so much pressure by the "British roast beef" until the end gave an indication that the 39-year-old is somewhat stressed. You don't talk about your feelings, and certainly not about problems on board, as anything could be used to your opponent's advantage. Thomson's extroverted, often cheerful manner is in stark contrast.
But of course Le Cléac'h is about to reap a well-deserved harvest from his 12 years of endeavour: Second twice (2008 and 2012), last time just hours behind the winner François Gabart. Before the race, he said that anything less than a victory would be a defeat. So he had plenty of pressure, even if it was self-generated. Despite Thomson's increasingly hopeless position for victory, it could be the closest final of all previous Vendée Globe editions.
Later today, both boats will finally tack and set a direct course for Les Sables after having to diversions for so many miles due to the low wind zone in the way. They will then sail back on starboard bow, the side on which "Hugo Boss" no longer has a foil. It should therefore be impossible for Thomson to catch "Banque Populaire VIII" under his own steam; only problems on board his rival could still jeopardise the Frenchman's victory. The two skippers are now facing their last night at sea and are expected to cross the finish line tomorrow morning. If all goes well, they should enter the channel at Les Sables d'Olonne around 12 noon. If this does not work out, their arrival will probably be delayed until around 4 p.m. due to the unfavourable tide.
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
