Stamm runs aground, Paprec-Virbac 2 leads Vendee

by Vendee Globe media on 15 Dec 2008 Vendee Globe News. In difficult, strong winds Bernard Stamm last night ran aground in front of the Port aux Francais on Sunday evening after arriving in the Kerguelen Islands with failed rudder bearings. It is another unfortunate blow for the Swiss skipper who is safe and sound.

At the head of the fleet Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac 2) maintains his lead as the pace-setters approach the Australian security ice gate which they should reach this afternoon.

Cheminées Poujoulat entered Morbihan Bay in 40-45 knot winds on Sunday evening. In spite of the help that was given to him, Bernard Stamm was unable to moor up where a buoy had been set up for him while using his engine, the assistance of a RIB and the help of Dominique Wavre on board. Very quickly a series of events led to the 60-foot Imoca boat being driven ashore. The skipper was taken off safe and sound.

The bad weather during the night meant operations had to cease and the teams retired for the night to shelter in some nearby buildings. It is reported they would wait until it is light to decide on the best course of action.

Any kind of good fortune in the Vendée Globe seems to have always eluded Stamm. In 2000, he retired after a week of racing because of pilot failure. In 2004, he lost his keel in the Transat race five months before the start of the Vendée Globe and so could not take part. This year after two back to back wins in the round the world race with stopovers, Bernard Stamm was one of the favourites. But on the first night of the race, he collided with a cargo vessel and had to return to Les Sables to repair his bowsprit and mast, which also suffered damage in the incident. Setting out again three and a half days after his rivals, he had made a magnificent return to the race, before discovering a problem with his rudder bearings on Saturday. On Sunday evening the pit stop in the Kerguelens turned to a nightmare.

Differences between the top boats at the head of the fleet remains relatively stable overnight, although speeds are back in the order 17 and 18 knots for the top three boats this morning, signifying the return of stronger winds. Mike Golding, GBR, (Ecover 3) has gained about five miles, cutting the lead of Jean-Pierre Dick to 73.1 miles as they approach the ice gate which they should reach this afternoon.

The latest big low pressure system has given very rough conditions especially for the group including Jonny Malbon, GBR, (Artemis II), Rich Wilson, USA, (Great American III), Jean Baptiste Dejeanty (Groupe Maisnonneuve). Dejeanty has had a series of problems and slowed down.

Dee Caffari, GBR, (Aviva) and Arnaud Bosssières (Akenas Verandas) are passing to the north of the Kerguelen Islands engaged in a remarkable match race with just 32 miles between them.

Jonny Malbon (Artemis II) in his daily message. 'A gruelling few days. The low passed through yesterday leaving slack winds and a horrible sea state. Decided to tack north to be above the centre of the next low that I am in now. Its going to take me north of Kerguelen, which is not great miles wise, but it does help me escape horrible upwind conditions. I must focus on keeping the boat together, and of course me. It seems relentless now, with so much strong breeze, but also the appalling sea conditions. Its really hard to go fast in the boat downwind at the moment which is not great. Fells like I have lost touch with my little group ahead, who have handled things better. But that’s just how it is and I am ok, just concentrating on making the right decisions and progressing. Really tired from the last few days, as I have not been getting enough sleep, and worrying too much – to much looking at the numbers, but when they are reading over 60, its hard to sleep anyway!! Always planning the next manoeuvre or escape route/plan. Its difficult when you hear the guys at the front are in perfect conditions- blue sky, 25 knots and a great sea state!! I guess that won’t last forever and I will get some of that at some point, hopefully.'

Dee Caffari (Aviva) in her message last night.
0400hrs HRS GMT. Rankings, Monday 15th December
(FRA unless stated)
1. Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac 2) at 14203 miles
2. Mike Golding GBR (Ecover) at + 73.1 miles
3. Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement) at 97.2 miles
4. Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) at 109.3 miles
5. Seb Josse (BT) at + 170.9 miles

Selected International
11. Sam Davies, GBR,(ROXY) at + 831.8 miles
12. Brian Thompson, GBR, (Bahrain Team Pindar) at + 916.6 miles
13. Bernard Stamm, SUI, (Cheminées Poujoulat) at + 1179.9 miles
14. Dee Caffari, GBR, (AVIVA) at + 1224.5 miles
17. Steve White, GBR, (Toe in the Water) at + 1645.2 miles
18 .Johnny Malbon, GBR, (Artemis) at + 1980 miles
19. Rich Wilson, USA, (Great America III) at + 2081.2 miles
21. Derek Hatfield, CAN, (Algimouss Spirit of Canada) at + 2512.9 miles
23. Norbert Sedlacek, AUT, (Nauticsport.Kapsch) + 3030.4 miles

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