Well, it looks as if Vincent Riou on PRB is surviving (so far) the massive risk he took by heading north and separating from his pursuers, Jean Le Cam and Mike Golding. He’s sailing directly toward the finish, which is now less than 400 miles away, and holding a lead of just over 20 miles on Le Cam. Golding has fallen back to 77 miles, and doesn’t look like a threat. See daily report here; and latest positions here. Riou is in an older boat (it won the last Vendee) so you know he’s sailing flat out, on the edge of any number of disasters. Le Cam is no doubt doing the same, so we’ll see if Golding’s suspicion that someone’s rig might fall over the side before all is said and done comes true. Here’s Riou’s assessment of the end game. He sounds very French, very cool, about the whole thing. But do I detect a slight note of regret that this epic battle is drawing to a close?:
“Conditions are like they were the other night. It’s unstable so you have to take care of the boat, on course, dividing my time between easing and hardening up the sheets. I have little siestas, waking up when the boat stops so I’ve no idea how long they last. It was cold last night but it’s warmed up a bit now.” Asked if things were going to plan, Vincent replied in a dead pan voice “they’re going. I’m making do with what I’ve got. It’s nice to be back in home waters and it will be good to get home. I’ve got wind shifts of 30˚ with 8 to 18 knots last night. Jean is not on course and he’s going slower. I’m reaching at the moment though it can change to close-reaching in the space of just 5 minutes, while he will be headed fortunately. It all depends on the cloud cover. I’m not between Jean and the mark so I haven’t got perfect control. You just have to make as much ground as you can, you mustn’t fall asleep. I have all the cards in my hand but when racing you always know you have to be careful. I’ll be reaching to Les Sables d’Olonne and I think I’ll be behind a small light patch. It doesn’t look like a clean lift for Jean but I reckon he may make a direct course. I’m limiting myself to the bare minimum in terms of sleeping, eating and drinking. It’s been a fine race, I knew this kind of finish was possible but didn’t quite imagine this. I don’t feel stressed but it is tiring. I hope to get in, in around 36 hours time but it may well be 38.”
I can’t get over the fact that less than 2 hours separate these guys after an entire lap of the globe. We’ll update frequently as the boats approach the finish…
PRB Pursued: “Merde, if I have to keep looking over my shoulder all the way to the finish I’m going to need neck surgery…”
The Earthist Chronicles 