Monday 7 December 2020

Sailing Cornucopia: Globe, Trophy and Cup

Sodebo 3 is circled. Behind a bit is where IDEC Sports
was at the same time in 2016, the current record holder.
Sobedo 3 is currently 682 miles in front of IDEC’s then
position in the Jules Verne Trophy attempt
We’ve got such a sailing bonanza on now:

Vendée Globe: Solo, Non-Stop, Unassisted, around the world. Now in day 28 of 70+ days, in the Southern Ocean and already full of drama and intrigue. Out to win, and also beat the current record set in 2016 by Armel Le Cléac’h of 74d 03h 35m.

Jules Verne Trophy: attempt by Sodebo 3 to beat the around the world record of 40 days (and change), in a 100-foot trimaran. The rules are simple: any yacht, any size, any number of crew. They’re currently in the Southern Ocean as well, but further south than the Vendée folks, who have to stay north of an “ice barrier” around Antarctica.  She’s doing 38 knots in 22 knots of breeze!.... Currently 682 nautical miles ahead of the record holder IDEC Sports at the same time in 2016-17, when Francis Joyon set the current record of 40d 23h 30m.

Americas Cup: about to start the serious stuff, down in New Zealand, the battle amongst the challengers, starting in a week or so, before the race for the Cup itself in March.

What a treat. In the midst of Covid, this is just great to follow!