Jules Verne Trophy - From peaceful calms to pleasant trade winds

by IDEC Sport Sailing on 17 Jan 2017 After 24 hours in frustrating calms, which nevertheless afforded them the opportunity to recharge their batteries, sailing 800 miles off the coast of Brazil approaching the latitude of Rio de Janeiro, IDEC Sport is now being pushed along by the trade winds.

With less than 5000 miles to go to the finishing line off Ushant and1500 miles from the Equator, the crew seems to have overcome the hurdles in the South Atlantic and is now heading due north. “For the moment, we are sailing along quietly, without demanding too much from our mighty boat,” declared Sébastien Audigane in his log at the start of the 32nd day of sailing in their quest for the Jules Verne Trophy.

“Towards the Equator, smooth sailing at 25-30 knots on flat calm seas. On board, we take it in turns on watch and everyone is getting some rest and taking advantage of the sunshine. We are able to wash, shave and get back to being something like a human. At least that is what we hope…In four days from now we will have crossed the Equator and it is looking good to get into the Northern Hemisphere.” Seb, 28° S, 800 miles east of Brazil.