Jean Le Cam had closed to within three miles of Alex this morning, both boats showing 17+ knots of speed, but Alex still has the lead. There is a large group of boats not far behind all showing good speeds. After leaving storm Theta to the east, the fleet will enter a zone of lighter winds for a while, but that should not slow these boats very much, and then they are into the predictable Trade Winds where we will be able to observe who has the best boat speed.
KNOX-JOHNSTON’S VENDÉE GLOBE VIEW - Friday 13 November
Well Alex has taken a nice lead this morning, some 34 miles from Jean Le Cam, an experienced solo sailor. He is closing in on Storm Theta’s influence, but to its west where the winds, though strong, are favourable for him. So the next few days should be glorious fast reaching/running with blue skies and increasingly warm temperatures and hopefully opening out his lead..
The disadvantage of being in the lead is that if you run into a calmer patch, those behind can see you slow and so alter course to avoid the patch, but once past Theta he ought to have favourable winds for a few days.
KNOX-JOHNSTON’S VENDÉE GLOBE VIEW - Thursday 12 November
Alex is nicely past the front and lying a comfortable 4th, making good speed just 22 miles behind the leader, or under two hours. The fleet reported winds of up to 50 knots as the Front closed on them, not much fun when you are going into it and other damage has been reported but nothing structural. There is still a tight group of boats heading towards the eastern side of the Azores Islands, but his main competition, Charal, has turned back towards Les Sables with a damaged board and broken backstay. Now they have to head South West to work their way to the west of Storm Theta and through some variable winds but mainly favourable. Once past Theta, they are basically into the Trade Winds and can blast down to the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (The Doldrums) and that is when we will see who has the best boat speed.
For regular updates go to vendeeglobe.orgdeeglobe.org/en
KNOX-JOHNSTON’S VENDÉE GLOBE VIEW - Wednesday 11 November
Looks like the northern group have got through the front and are now in favourable winds, albeit probably still having to cope with some large residual waves which will slow them for a while until they subside. Alex is nicely in this northern group. The southern group is closing in. The race re-starts this morning
Their next obstacle is Storm Theta to the south and an interesting mix of weather to its north which will take some careful routing.
KNOX-JOHNSTON’S VENDÉE GLOBE VIEW - Tuesday 10 November
This race has not got going. The Open 60’s are not built for windward work and that is what they are getting at the moment. The Azores High has been replaced by a Low and the result is serious headwinds. There are more favourable winds to the west but the boats have a nasty front to get through so as to reach them.
KNOX-JOHNSTON’S VENDÉE GLOBE VIEW - Monday 9 November
TV debut of doc-film "Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sailing Legend"
SAVE THE DATE for the TV debut of the documentary film "Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sailing Legend" on BT Sport, 25 March, and again on 31 March.
Royal Albert Dock Confirmed As Race Finish Partner For Unforgettable Finale
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has announced the Clipper 2019-20 Race Finish will be held at Royal Albert Dock (RAD) in the heart of the capital's Royal Docks. This comes as the event's new partnership with Royal Docks and RAD, London’s new international destination for business and leisure, is revealed.
80 Seconds with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Dee Caffari - Safety at Sea
SAILORS SALUTE SIR ROBIN ON 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF GOLDEN GLOBE VICTORY
FALMOUTH PUTS ON SPECTACULAR DISPLAY FOR SIR ROBIN
A truly impressive flotilla of vessels, including Royal Navy warship HMS Mersey, and over one hundred supporting yachts of all shapes and sizes, joined Sir Robin, and Suhaili in Falmouth Harbour to recreate the historic moment he returned home 50 years ago to scenes of national jubilation, and changed the future of ocean racing forever.
