Breton race rookie Armel Le Cléac’h crossed the finishing line of the Vendée Globe this morning (Saturday 7th February) at 08H41’35”GMT, after a net race time of 89 days 9 hours and 39 minutes 35 seconds of racing, taking into account the 11 hours redress given by the International Jury for his participation in the rescue of Jean Le Cam.
Brit Air completed the famous non stop solo round the world without assistance race in a 17-22-knot breeze cheered home by a spectator fleet out on the water enjoying the winter sunshine and braving the chill of the early morning.
Le Cléac’h is due to return into the famous canal to a big celebration around midday just as soon as the tide allows. At the age of 31, a newcomer to the Vendée Globe, he takes second place in this 6th edition 5 days 6 hours and 30 minutes behind the winner, Michel Desjoyeaux. His theoretical speed was 11.57 knots. Having sailed 27,233 miles, his real average speed was12.69 knots. His second place in the rankings will not be confirmed until 71 hours have passed to take into account the difference between his 11 hours of redress for going to the help of Jean le Cam and the 82 hours granted to Marc Guillemot for his involvement in the rescue of Yann Eliès.
Armel Le Cléac’h clinched his second with tenacity, patience and prudence, a maturity shown which belies this being his first solo round the world race. Before this race the Breton round the world rookie had never spent more than twenty days in a row at sea, but today not only did he complete his race but took a highly valued clear second place behind the invincible Desjoyeaux. Just 31 when he rounded the Horn for the first time, the sailor from Morlaix finished second in last year’s Transat race when three favourites retired with damage – Riou, Josse and Desjoyeaux – and had also won the Figaro solo event in 2003 and the 2004 Transat AG2R in the past.
Armel spoke of his win “ It’s magical! Absolutely incredible seeing all these people here to meet me in the sunshine in Les Sables d’Olonne. I’m very pleased and I could feel the tears welling up, when I saw all those motor boats. I’m coming to terms with the fact that I’ve finished and can now rest, but finishing second is something I find hard to get my head around. I think there are several factors, which meant I was second. It was due to sailing the race my way. You need a bit of luck to be able to finish, as it’s a hard race. Not very many of us are completing the race. Coming in just behind Michel Desjoyeaux is wonderful! I could not have dreamed of anything better. The last few days were very difficult with very rough conditions in the Bay of Biscay. Huge waves were breaking over the deck. The protective cover was ripped off, the mainsail car broke off the mast and our mainsail was damaged, but we managed to finish.”