JV Jamboree–Geronimo On Pace, Cheyenne In Survival Mode: Olivier De Kersauson and his merry crew only knocked off 368 miles on Day 13, but they are still about 90 miles ahead of Orange 2002, and neck and neck with Cheyenne’s pace through this part of her record run. So The Admiral can’t be too grouchy, and there is more wind on the way, which will give his big trimaran the push into the Roaring Forties he’s been waiting for. Now, we’ll see whether he can match Cheyenne’s impressive Southern Ocean legs.

Cheyenne has indeed been blazing fast in the Southern Ocean. But after a string of 7 500-plus mile days the big cat finally slowed to just 478 miles. Cheyenne’s course has also been slow, as she headed north to avoid the worst of a storm passing between her and Antarctica, taking her away from the next mark, Cape Horn. That’s reduced the lead over Orange 2002 to about 1850 miles (i.e. they gave up a day of a five day lead; chart here). Fossett has gybed southeast again, but will have some rough sailing over the next two days as Cheyenne has to push hard through winds over 30 knots and confused seas in an attempt to outrun the light winds of a massive high pressure system sneaking up on them. It ain’t easy out there, right now. Here’s Fossett:

“Now more trouble. The spinnaker halyard broke and this big sail was draped over the deck and being pulled into the water. ‘All hands’ managed to muscle it back on board and get it stowed below. The winds are building as our first storm front is approaching and it is too rough to send someone to the top of mast to get the halyard back in so we are done with the spinnaker. Our jibs will be our downwind headsails between here and Cape Horn.

The wind and seas will build over the next 24 hours. We will be hunkered down in survival mode until this major cold front passes over us.”

Guillermo Fending Off Another Southern Ocean Wave, 2001: “Hey! Stay back! Please…Por Favor…Mama!!!”

(Photo: Club Med)