Giancarlo Pedote in the Vendée Globe update: Navigating the Furious Fifties
by L'IMOCA Prysmian 25 Dec 2024 00:05 NZDT
24 December 2024
Giancarlo Pedote in the Vendée Globe - Onboard image, week 6 © Giancarlo Pedote
In the vastness of the Furious Fifties, every mile covered is synonymous with a fierce duel against the elements. Indeed, the Pacific, as unpredictable as the Indian Ocean, is really putting Giancarlo Pedote's determination to the test both physically and mentally.
Amidst the frustration caused by the lack of breeze over recent days and the challenges due to the biting cold, the daily life of the skipper of Prysmian is an illustration of his tireless struggle to tame the forces of nature.
"The air is pretty dense so even though there we 'only' have 25 knots, we're getting pushed along quite hard. You really get the sense that you're at a very high latitude below 50 degrees South. That translates as a bit of change of atmosphere and climate, etc." explains the sailor, who is clearly focused on the challenges thrust upon him by this dreaded section of the Southern Ocean. Sailing below the Furious Fifties means that you are forced to contend with an imposing sea and icy temperatures. Such conditions are far from just a physical ordeal. They also require great mental resilience and a flawless strategy. Not everything has gone that smoothly though since he entered the Pacific Ocean. The sailor recalls a key episode from recent days, where the lack of breeze really tested his patience: "I struggled a lot in the light airs. I was just twenty miles shy of Isabelle Joschke. When the breeze completely drops away, it's very complicated. You end up having to grin and bear the situation, totally powerless to do anything about it."
A biting cold gatecrashes the party
Fortunately, conditions changed yesterday. The light patch which made life so difficult is now behind him. "Today, we're riding the back of a depression. We're going to have to gybe soon and then climb north and continue to sail towards another system," explained the Italian. At these extreme latitudes, every day brings its share of challenges, whether it be related to optimising the trajectory or simply facing up to the elements. The cold is also a sly enemy.
"With temperatures plummeting, staying in the warm becomes an absolute priority. We're experiencing rather chilly temperatures. We're beginning to see 10-12 degrees Celsius in the living space. It's super chilly. You really feel the pinch of the cold. You have to regularly add a few extra layers of clothing and cover up well," confirmed the skipper of Prysmian, who is constantly pushing the envelope in this hostile environment. Though the ocean is calling the shots as ever, the sailor is continuing on his journey today armed with courage and humility.
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