Canadian Derek Hatfield told this morning’s radio broadcast how he was thrown from his bunk and found himself standing on the cabin roof of Algimouss Spirit of Canada, believing that his boat went close to upside down. He explained that his two top spreaders are broken between one third and one half way from their inner end. He is heading to either Melbourne or Tasmania but has not yet made any decision. The skipper said that at the present time he does not think that he will be able to repair the spreaders.
“I am devastated. I feel for our sponsors and everyone who has supported us. It came at the end of a nasty day.” Said Hatfield.
Armel Le Clea’ch and Vincent Riou are about 180 miles from the west end of the SW Pacific gate, with Brit Air in fourth, and Riou’s PRB in fifth.
Steve White is into the Pacific now, making the transition around 0500hrs GMT, whilst Jonny Malbon (Artemis II) still has 600 miles and Rich Wilson 720 miles of Indian Ocean still to endure. Norbert Sedlacek and Raphael Dinelli are finally having some respite with lighter winds today, but have 350 miles still to go to reach the longitude of Cape Leeuwin.
Here is a summary of what the French speaking skippers had to say during today’s radio vacs:
Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux): After the past few days, conditions couldn't be as bad ot worse. The worse is now behind us. It's going to be difficult to close the gap for the moment, as leaders will get better conditions first. Maybe after next gate. Every time I am disappointed with Pacific. Not at all like people imagine as south sea islands are further north. Only 1500 miles from Papeete. We're really stupid to be missing all this and just passing gates.
Marc Guillemot (Safran): Half asleep, as phone woke him. It wasn't really complicated, but yesterday realised more work than expected. Not a place for tourists, as seals on beach rather than holidaymakers. Strange to enter this magical world - a unique experience. Cold and wet up the mast, but reassured by weather forecast, so persevered. Job is done now, so pleased to have that out of the way. Can now sail under full mainsail, under one reef or three. Not strengthened enough for two reefs
Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia): Now has stronger winds and sailing well. So for a couple hours since he passed the gate, has accelerated. As they are having to zig-zag, small losses and gains at the moment are insignificant. believes he has a relatively stable lead of 5-6 hours. Opened his Christmas presents again. Had had a few books. Washed his clothes and now they are drying. Hasn't done any Sudoku for few days, because conditions not favourable. Hasn't touched tool box, except a small problem with the compass, which got wet. Has some stuff to do, when it's calmer, but only minor repairs. For the moment, I'm getting through without too many problems, but I'm not doing anything stupid either. I have had some small problems. Two days ago had to stop as could have had a problem. Not the mast. I'm not telling you.
Vincent Riou( PRB): Was sailing close to Armel. For 24h has not had time to look at that, as problem with engine. Has two anyway and it is getting sorted. Foot is now feeling better and much more comfortable walking around the boat. Hasn't been up at the bow though, as weather conditions don't allow that. Was having problems getting from cockpit to cabin, but is now managing that. Conditions now much calmer . Two days ago, the most extreme conditions he has ever had. Is in contact with Sébastien Josse everyday. His damage was what they were all fearing in horrendous seas. Everyone now waiting for Cape Horn and better conditions, although weather for next few days doesn't look too bad.