Well this Vendee Globe race continues to provide drama, both afloat and ashore. Kevin Escoffier was picked up by the French Warship Nivose just after midnight our time this morning from Jean Le Cam\s boat “Yes we Cam”. I understand he will be taken to Kerguelen Islands and Jean Le Cam continues his solo race.
More sad news in that Sam Davies has withdrawn. The damage to her boat is such that she feels she must get the boat properly repaired in Cape Town and, once repaired, then sail on to complete the course even though outside the race, in order to promote cardiac surgery for young people. Whilst I am disappointed for her, I think she has made the right decision in view of the damage to her boat, and I admire her determination to complete her solo circumnavigation.
Out on the race track, Apivia has extended her over second placed Linked Out lead to 219 miles, with Bureau de Vallee dropping 20 miles behind. Pip Hare is in 20th place, averaging 15 knots and Miranda Merron is in 23rd making just under 15 knots.
The Maxi Trimaran made 867 miles in the last 24 hours (36.12 Knots) and is very fast approaching the longitude of the Cape of Good Hope.