Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) passed through the West Pacific security gate this morning at about 0830hrs GMT and has extended since, running parallel to the gate, as second placed Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement) ascends NE to get there. Desjoyueaux leads by 73.7 miles while Jean Le Cam lies third at 216.5 miles.
Canadian Derek Hatfield told this morning’s radio broadcast how he was thrown from his bunk and found himself standing on the cabin roof of Algimouss Spirit of Canada, believing that his boat went close to upside down. He explained that his two top spreaders are broken between one third and one half way from their inner end. He is heading to either Melbourne or Tasmania but has not yet made any decision. The skipper said that at the present time he does not think that he will be able to repair the spreaders.
“I am devastated. I feel for our sponsors and everyone who has supported us. It came at the end of a nasty day.” Said Hatfield.
Armel Le Clea’ch and Vincent Riou are about 180 miles from the west end of the SW Pacific gate, with Brit Air in fourth, and Riou’s PRB in fifth.
Steve White is into the Pacific now, making the transition around 0500hrs GMT, whilst Jonny Malbon (Artemis II) still has 600 miles and Rich Wilson 720 miles of Indian Ocean still to endure. Norbert Sedlacek and Raphael Dinelli are finally having some respite with lighter winds today, but have 350 miles still to go to reach the longitude of Cape Leeuwin