It could be argued, and not all will agree, that the top skippers endure tougher living conditions but for a shorter period of time. The test of sheer endurance is so much longer for the skippers who are still out there, some of them heading for a race of plus days.
Louis Duc Fives Group β Lantana Environnement, 24th maybe sounds blunt sometimes, speaking in a matter-of-fact tone. Although he has been at sea for 87 days, his words are always down-to-earth,. I am looking forward to completing my round-the-world race and reuniting with everyone who helped me set this up and who followed my project. I think it is for me that it feels longest ", smiles Fabrice Amedeo Newans β Wewise, 32nd.
Everyone also thinks of the little things which on land are taken for granted but which are so appreciated for those coming back after 90 or days at sea.
Today he passed Cape Finisterre and is now sailing on the Bay of Biscay. After his engine and power generation issues Marsset missed the train and will be forced to pass to the South of the depression ahead of hm. Duc seems to be pulling out all the stops but he will lead this group the long way round.
Nothing is decided yet but they have to go very north, probably to the south of Ireland to find the shift in wind direction which will allow them to head SE to Les Sables d'Olonne. Behind, the duo Oliver Heer Tut Gut. The Chinese skipper talks of the tricky conditions recently: "The last few days have not been easy, particularly because of the high temperatures.
