Vendee Globe: Six sailors have now rounded Cape Horn. Hare docks in Melbourne, and more news
by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com/nz 28 Dec 2024 04:21 PST
Pip Hare (Medallia) arrives in Melbourne - December 29, 2024 © Team Medallia
As of the 1000hrs UTC sked on Dec 29, six skippers have rounded Cape Horn, with several more to follow later today. Their ascent of the South Atlantic promises to be complex and testing, upwind in strong winds.
The latest to round is 6th placed Nicolas Lunven (Holcim PRB).
Pip Hare arrived in Melbourne at around 7am.
Yoann Richomme, still in the lead, has increased his lead to 108nm over Charlie Dalin.
Damage to the steering system for Yannick Bestaven
At 10pm (Paris time) yesterday evening, while sailing in heavy seas, with five metres of waves and nearly 30 knots of wind, about 450 miles west of Cape Horn, Yannick Bestaven contacted his shore technical team to warn of damage to the steering system, which had occurred on his monohull Maître CoQ V. The cause: a problem with the rudder pedals (system that connects the two rudders, which are then connected to the pilot's actuators).
After several hours of work, the sailor was able to set up a temporary system using ropes to helm his IMOCA. He is fine and has resumed his journey during the night, however forced to move forward at a reduced speed. He is studying with his team the possibilities of repairs.
Engine rebuild for Isabelle Joschke
In 18th position, still battling with Jean Le Cam, Giancarlo Pedote and Alan Roura, Isabelle Joschke had to deal with an engine failure that had been hampering the smooth running of the boat for the past two days. After more than ten hours, bent in half in the engine hold, the sailor had to open it and dismantle it completely to unblock a recalcitrant part. The IMOCA MACSF is now operational.
Pip Hare arrival in Melbourne - first images