3833 replies to this topic

[victor t]

Thanks Laurent, some of Bernards comments sound a bit ominous. Sounds like JK designed a boat and forgot that a human being has to sail it.

A bit like the previous one no? Which even a guy like alex thomson refused to take around the world...

[mad]

Thanks Laurent, some of Bernards comments sound a bit ominous. Sounds like JK designed a boat and forgot that a human being has to sail it.

A bit like the previous one no? Which even a guy like alex thomson refused to take around the world...

That one was just modified by JK, not a full design I believe.

[forss]

Great videos from Alex Thomson's team.




great details about the systems from the boat.

and hugo boss 2? was definitely JK designed Pindar and then modified by JK also when under the name of hugo boss

[Potter]

Hugo Boss 1 was a Finot (?) ex. Sill. Sank during the 5 Oceans.
Hugo Boss 2 was the Finot designed boat that Alex had for the last VG. Now Energa for Gutek
Hugo Boss 3 was the ex.Pindar that Alex put the 2 extreme cuddies and the tall rig on. I think he did part of a TJV and then the Fastnet on it. I think it is doing HB corporate work in Asia
Hugo Bosss 4 was Estrella Damm (BWR), then BT (VG), then Veolia. Farr design.

[Roleur]

Please tell me it is true that Ronnie is going to be covering the race? If true, this is even bigger and better than getting a replacement for Jobson for the AC. Now, I'm REALLY looking forward to the race and visiting the start.

[MR.CLEAN]

Ronnie is part of the official SA superstar coverage team. Contributors include Jesus Renedo, Christophe Launary, Nicola Breymaier, and a pile more folks.

And if any of you are interested in sharing our beautiful house on the water for a small fee (cheaper than a hotel) let me know! Right now I am on the hook for a lot of money...note that sharing the house means you get access to some of the parties/rides/Vip stuff that only SA can get!

[pogen]

How is Ronnie's French?

This is going to be great!

Too bad I am stuck here at my sucky desk still paying off the last adventure's bills or I'd be there.

[MR.CLEAN]

I think Ronnie's french sucks. Mine is strong, and after a few days in country I get fluent again. We'll see if we can find some 'language lessons' for Ronnie.

[ronnie_simpson]

Yup, Clean's right. My French sucks, Clean and Co. will have to translate for me.

Super excited about attending the Vendee start and working with Clean and everyone else on providing the best coverage that we possibly can!

Stay tuned to the forums and the front page from the end of October through the start on November 10!!

[pixie fishmonkey]

Hugo Boss 1 was a Finot (?) ex. Sill. Sank during the 5 Oceans.
Hugo Boss 2 was the Finot designed boat that Alex had for the last VG. Now Energa for Gutek
Hugo Boss 3 was the ex.Pindar that Alex put the 2 extreme cuddies and the tall rig on. I think he did part of a TJV and then the Fastnet on it. I think it is doing HB corporate work in Asia
Hugo Bosss 4 was Estrella Damm (BWR), then BT (VG), then Veolia. Farr design.

HB1(ex Sill)=Marc Lombard

[pogen]

Yup, Clean's right. My French sucks, Clean and Co. will have to translate for me.

Super excited about attending the Vendee start and working with Clean and everyone else on providing the best coverage that we possibly can!

Stay tuned to the forums and the front page from the end of October through the start on November 10!!

Ronnie, don't forget to give us a head's up here on this thread if you write another Front Page article. I don't check the FP every day like I do the forums.

Despite all the chest thumping from the SA management about how super connected SA is with social media etc. , the FP is still stuck firmly in 1998: no permalinks for articles, no searchable archive of articles, no RSS feed.

[mad]

Yup, Clean's right. My French sucks, Clean and Co. will have to translate for me.

Super excited about attending the Vendee start and working with Clean and everyone else on providing the best coverage that we possibly can!

Stay tuned to the forums and the front page from the end of October through the start on November 10!!

Ronnie, don't forget to give us a head's up here on this thread if you write another Front Page article. I don't check the FP every day like I do the forums.

Despite all the chest thumping from the SA management about how super connected SA is with social media etc. , the FP is still stuck firmly in 1998: no permalinks for articles, no searchable archive of articles, no RSS feed.

We could make life easier and make this the 'official' thread......, for a start at least?

Start a new thread for each boat if that makes life easier.

[roblynn]

If you need some translation help, I can give a hand -- this is an exciting race and might as well make sure everyone can understand the communications. Due to time to do the work, I cannot do all of them, but I am willing to do some if we have a pool of translators and we are given assignments every few days...

Although I am a french canadian, I tend to use english nautical terms -- so I will need to get my 'Les Glenans' reference book out....

Just a thought,

Robert B.

[Potter]

From the front page. It says there are 19 entries, I thought there are 20.
Either way it is a bloody good field.

[MR.CLEAN]

Last time there were 33 entered and I think 31 actually started. That sound right Potter? Are you gonna be in town working?

[Terrorvision]

Despite all the chest thumping from the SA management about how super connected SA is with social media etc. , the FP is still stuck firmly in 1998: no permalinks for articles, no searchable archive of articles, no RSS feed.

And links don't open in a new window or tab.

[SemiSalt]

Here is an opinion: the website (http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en/) sucks.

I have not paid a bit attention to this race, but I when I saw the pic on the front page, I thought maybe I'd follow it. When I went to the website, I found it hard to find even the most basic information.

[ronnie_simpson]

Potter, I believe you are right. I believe there are 20 starters. When I wrote that article i was finding contradictory reports as I read rumors that one boat lost a sponsor and was unable to be ready for the start but could not find any definitive info on this.

But yes i agree, the field is stacked and should be extremely competitive. Compiling a lot of info before I head over there with Clean and all I can say is WOW!!!! This is going to be an incredible race. I'm counting about 12 boats that have a shot at winning; imagine that, 60% of the fleet could literally win the race. Incredible!

[Terrorvision]

Here is an opinion: the website (http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en/) sucks.

I have not paid a bit attention to this race, but I when I saw the pic on the front page, I thought maybe I'd follow it. When I went to the website, I found it hard to find even the most basic information.

What sort of info were you looking for- I find it a bit busy and the English is a bit poor, but other than that it's not too bad.

[Clovis]

So who are your favorites?

I like Gabart, talented, hard working, and seems to be a decent guy... but he is young, he will have other win opportunities!
I'd love to see Stamm or Benedetto have good results, as i feel they incarnate the adventurers' spirit of this race.
Most likely winners in my opinion: Dick and Le Cleac'h.

C.

[mad]

Here is an opinion: the website (http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en/) sucks.

I have not paid a bit attention to this race, but I when I saw the pic on the front page, I thought maybe I'd follow it. When I went to the website, I found it hard to find even the most basic information.

What sort of info were you looking for- I find it a bit busy and the English is a bit poor, but other than that it's not too bad.

got to agree, seen a lot worse sites.

[Icedtea]

Don't agree with the criticism of the site, remember the TJV site? Christ that thing was a mess, at least we don't have to deal with that again

[roca]

Either way it is a bloody good field.

But yes i agree, the field is stacked and should be extremely competitive. Compiling a lot of info before I head over there with Clean and all I can say is WOW!!!! This is going to be an incredible race. I'm counting about 12 boats that have a shot at winning; imagine that, 60% of the fleet could literally win the race. Incredible!

I think this will be a great race, but we must admit that the absences of mich and loick are important. They are the two strongest, their absences tells a lot. This is not figaro, where you expect winners to go further. this is the pinnacle of the sport. The best one should be here.
Still vendee managed to keep a good number and will be an exciting race for the though times sailing is going through.

So who are your favorites?
C.

So my favorites are Riu, Le cleac'h and Beyou

[nkb]

I've got 3 on my list : Marco Guillemot (Safran) Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) and Kito de Pavant (Groupe Bel). All these guys have had great programs going for their sponsors and have been trying hard for a long time. They all deserve to do well.

[Sebyseb]

Please, let's be serious.
It's gotta be Le Cam in the absence of Jourdain.

This is the last missing jewel on his crown, and he knows he may not have another shot at it.
Beyou and Armel may well give him some trouble but he's by far the most experienced.

[nkb]

Le Cam would be nice but his project is a recent one, his boat is older and he has sailed it significantly less than the 3 above.

Though if anyone can pull it off, he can.

Definitely sad not to Jourdain in the line up.

[mad]

Don't agree with the criticism of the site, remember the TJV site? Christ that thing was a mess, at least we don't have to deal with that again

I knew I'd seen a really bad site somewhere, current Vendee is still way ahead of that one.

[mad]

I've got 3 on my list : Marco Guillemot (Safran) Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) and Kito de Pavant (Groupe Bel). All these guys have had great programs going for their sponsors and have been trying hard for a long time. They all deserve to do well.

Could go with the first and last on the list... Not too sure about the middle pick of that bunch.

[pixie fishmonkey]

Gotta be Vincent Riou for me.............Others I would like to see win it but he has a very proven track record

[pogen]

Last time there were 33 entered and I think 31 actually started. That sound right Potter? Are you gonna be in town working?

Looks like last edition had 30 starters, 11 finishers.

VG website still showing 20 official skippers for this edition.

I'm still pulling for Benedetto! And what, no SA love for Sam this time around? I suspect she will kick some ass.

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia....Globe#2008-2009

new SA board won't accept cut-and-paste

[nkb]

Sam will be awesome to follow but she's got a much older boat which is the only reason why I'm not picking her as a winner.

[pogen]

Is it relatively older than her ROXY of last edition? It was not new then I think. She nearly made it to the podium in her rookie outing.

[MR.CLEAN]

Sam has Ryan's old boat. Lombard design, ex Neutrogena ex Veolia Environnement ex Sill. Smallest bulb in the fleet (grandfathered tungsten IIRC but Sam has modified or put a new one on), wing mast, very easy boat to push very hard and very well-sorted out, but lacking a lot of power.

Sound right nic?

[pogen]

Chart below is good but obviously doesn't capture all the mods done to the boats over the years. Wow, Gutek in a 1991 boat, almost as old as mine! Info on older boats like Sam's old Roxy (which I am sure was not new to her in '08) harder to come by.

One way Sam made it to Fourth last time was by not being among the 19 casualties... Pacing and sailing your race your way obviously is bigger here than anywhere!

And one thing is sure, no matter what happens to Benedetto, he will make it around even if he has to paddle like on a 60' surfboard!

writeup in Daily Sail, with the official roster

http://www.thedailys...ppers-announced

[Haji]

Ronnies French can't be any worse than mine...;-)

See ya'll there, I'm arriving on the 7th.

[nkb]

Sam has Ryan's old boat. Lombard design, ex Neutrogena ex Veolia Environnement ex Sill. Smallest bulb in the fleet (grandfathered tungsten IIRC but Sam has modified or put a new one on), wing mast, very easy boat to push very hard and very well-sorted out, but lacking a lot of power.

Sound right nic?

Yep, except she had to get a new keel fin so the grandfathered tungsten bulb was no longer allowed. Also I think her fin is bigger now too. Maybe lacking the big power for reaching but will go upwind higher and faster than the others. Love that boat.

[victor t]

Chart below is good but obviously doesn't capture all the mods done to the boats over the years. Wow, Gutek in a 1991 boat, almost as old as mine!

Gutek in the end will sail with former Hugo Boss 2, a Finot-Conq built in 2007 for the 2008 Vendee globe. It is the double cockpit layout boat, on which Alex likes keel walking

[Haji]

Maybe Alex can finally finish the race, now that Gutek can take over the role of offical Mad Dog Boatbreaker....

[BahamaBank]

Gutek in the end will sail with former Hugo Boss 2, a Finot-Conq built in 2007 for the 2008 Vendee globe. It is the double cockpit layout boat, on which Alex likes keel walking

Looks nice (nipped over there yesterday)

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[Rail Meat]

My top picks:

Tanguy de la Motte - They guy knows how to prep a boat. And he knows how to go fast. Not a lot of experience in the IMOCA class, but he is my dark horse choice. The only thing that will slow him down is the age of his boat.

Stamm - simply because I don't think there is a better navigator in the fleet. I am worried about his boat, however.

Riou - Amongst the best in getting a boat prepped, and as much experience as any one in the fleet. Great boat.

Dick - probably the best all around choice. At this point, he is as experienced as any one in the fleet. He is also at an age where he has the experience but also the resiliency of being relatively young. No expense spared in coming up with the very best in design choices, and very well prepped boats.

Sanso / Golding - because I want to see an OCD boat on the podium. This has got to be Golding's last shot, but I don't know if he has had enough practice time to be a serious contender. Sanso has a great boat, but untested amongst the crowd.

Sam - because I am a sucker for beautiful women who can sail fast and are tough enough for the southern ocean.

It is going to be a blast to follow along. Looking forward to the SA content

[Lexpat]

Does the Vendee globe still popular in France ? They are scheduling 3 additional high speed trains for the VG start November 9&10.

[CPJIII]

Maybe Alex can finally finish the race, now that Gutek can take over the role of offical Mad Dog Boatbreaker....

This what I am curious to see...how many make it without breaking up...I know there is that fine line but you cant win (or place) if you do not finish...cant wait for this to start and to see what Alex and the rest of them have to offer us this time around...

One of my best memories of this race is your journey to finish it...just great as a USA citizen to see someone from our side have a go at this race and finish...thanks for that

But on to this year...I am routing for Bernard and JP...not sure they will place but just have always enjoyed those two and there efforts over the years...

thanks Clean and Ronnie (and bruce?) for keeping us up to date on this...and any of the others doing transalations...this fourm always has been the best place for some feedback for us non french speakers

[MR.CLEAN]

Got a LOT of emails asking about advertising/sponsoring our coverage in LSDO. Only two slots left. Here's the basic deal:

Vendee Globe is the first or second most important ocean race in the world, with 1.4 million visitors through the race village and a truly worldwide audience.

Unfortunately, no english-language publication has ever done a decent job covering it in a comprehensive way, with original and independent coverage.

We are going to change that.

We are planning a media blitz to include articles, video interviews with every skipper, profiles of every boat, and a live talk show with the best of the best.

Then I am off to the METS show in Amsterdam, where we had one of our most successful 'road shows' ever a few years ago, and we'll repeat what we did then: Video and photos of the most interesting new products in sailing at the industry's ultimate insider show.

The combined coverage will last around three weeks.

We are looking for two final advertisers to be fully subscribed. All fees are to defray coverage expenses; airfare, house, food, etc.

Our advertisers (limited to six) will get:

-hyperlinks and their name in every front page piece
-Logo on every video intro
-Mention during every live show
-Cross promotion via Facebook pages
-Mention and links throughout the Vendee Globe thread

During the same 3-week period in 2011, Sailing Anarchy's front page and forum reached more than 250,000 unique visitors in 188 countries on over one million unique views and 10 million pageviews. And we've been growing since.

Spots likely gone by Wed or Thurs, so get in touch before then.

[solosailor]

Golding @ the TJV.......

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[solosailor]

SA in the house......

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[oioi]

I would love to see mike do well. I think if he is with the lead pack by the time of the first southern ocean low he is in with a chance. Im not sure the boat has the pace or form for that tho.

I hope alex makes it round.

As for the win? Really difficult to call. A lot depends on breakages and staying the distance.

Going to be one hell of a race.

[JL92S]

i reckon alex thomson is in the best shape he has ever been to take on a major ocean race, he gets my bet

[BahamaBank]

Does the Vendee globe still popular in France ? They are scheduling 3 additional high speed trains for the VG start November 9&10.

Lots of folk (and lots school kids) were walking around Monday evening. Full pontoons, so I would say it is. Loads of ribs & 30ft motorboats. Driving in to les Sables there was a fair amount of ads, plus a giant PRB site. I suspect popularity is SW France, but then so is Rugby. Just pleased they still love ocean racing. My (very kind) wife enjoyed it too.

[nkb]

Does the Vendee globe still popular in France ? They are scheduling 3 additional high speed trains for the VG start November 9&10.

Lots of folk (and lots school kids) were walking around Monday evening. Full pontoons, so I would say it is. Loads of ribs & 30ft motorboats. Driving in to les Sables there was a fair amount of ads, plus a giant PRB site. I suspect popularity is SW France, but then so is Rugby. Just pleased they still love ocean racing. My (very kind) wife enjoyed it too.

I think that was a rhetorical question.... not many sporting events are big enough to warrant the SNCF putting 3 extra TGV trains into circulation for two days running just so more people can get in an out of town.

According to to the Vendée Globe official report of the last event (2008/09) there were 1.7 million visitors to the race village in the 3 weeks run up to the race.

80% of these were people from outside of the Vendée Region.

Glad you had a good day down there, looking forward to going myself in a week.

[LeoV]

For history of 60 Imoca, minis, mini ton etc
http://www.histoiredeshalfs.com/

About Roxy:
http://www.histoired...des 60'/F14.htm

[Marvin]

For history of 60 Imoca, minis, mini ton etc
http://www.histoiredeshalfs.com/

Impressive! many thank for sharing the link Leo...

[LeoV]

Is from a Frenchy that works on a merchant man, he takes loads of magazines on a trip and update his website while going around the world

[MSafiri]

Clean and SA Team in Les Sables,

I know that the new boats are fun and probably more interesting, but according to the Voiles et Voiliers, Joshua of Moitessier and Suhaili of Knox Johnston will be there.

They started the ball rolling, if you have a spare moment, have a look and post some pics about them.

Cheers,

MSafiri

[Cyrille Hydrogene]

My money would go on JP Dick (fast and proven boat, can sail as fast as anyone in any conditions, great team, lots of money and very thorough preparation), then François Gabart (fast and recent boat, and LOTS of talent (was chosen by Mich Desj for the last Barcelona), won his first IMOCA transat on his first try (BtoB 2011)), and lastly Vincent Riou (has proven he can win it , a fast and well prepared boat).

My favourite outsiders I would love to see win it or finish on the podium: Sam Davies, Stamm, Golding (we need a non French win for the race to be more international)

The two rookies I'll keep a special eye on: Tanguy de la Motte (great guy, but has one of the slowest boat of the pack) and Louis Burton (very nice guy, managed his small sponsor Bureau Vallee to make the big jumb from Class 40 to IMOCA just in the spirit of adventure, which is only normal as one of Louis' ancestors was the great English explorer Richard Francis Burton, first non muslin to travel in disguise to Mecca and discovered the African Great Lakes while looking for the source of the Nile!)

[pogen]

and Louis Burton (very nice guy, managed his small sponsor Bureau Vallee to make the big jumb from Class 40 to IMOCA just in the spirit of adventure, which is only normal as one of Louis' ancestors was the great English explorer Richard Francis Burton, first non muslin to travel in disguise to Mecca and discovered the African Great Lakes while looking for the source of the Nile!)

That is so cool, one of my heroes!

[MR.CLEAN]

Joshua is pretty badass, saw her last year. We'll see if we can do a little profile/walkthrough of both boats.

[Haji]

The final few weeks before the start...I'm almost afraid to think back and feel the emotional ups and downs of that time, eight years ago. So much stress, then moments like these would take some of the weight off.

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[MSafiri]

Joshua is pretty badass, saw her last year. We'll see if we can do a little profile/walkthrough of both boats.

Cheers Clean, looking forward the SA coverage, being lucky to be able to follow both.
Have fun over there

[cadmus]

.....So who are your favourites? Who will win? What are the gossips?....

Predicting races is a crap shoot especilay one this long.
But in 2008 Marc Guillimont responded to Yann Elies's broken femur and stayed with him for several days until the Australian Navy arrived. Then a whale knocked his keel off. And he still came in 3rd.
He is a bad ass.
He deserves my vote, I am going to cheer for him.
Best of luck Marc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And i hope the children at the brittish MCA take a class on how a sailboat works so they drop the fines related to the stupid dover trafic seperation scheme. Whisky Tango Foxtrot? Total BS.

[Janarto]

With less than 2 weeks to start, I guess the field is pretty clear,

I have some clear favorites

Vincent Riou : knows the race, already won it, great boat designed specifically for this race, hardcore professional of solo sailing

Jean Le Cam : Same league as Riou, a little bit older, more old fashion, intuitive kind of guy. His boat is not the most recent but is very good judging by the last run by Peyron, and in the Barcelona under the name Renault ZE. Time for him to take is revenge after 2004.

Jean Pierre Dick : Great boat, great experience with the boat, confidence, his weak points are that he is better on duo sailing than alone, tends to push the boat to far. More a competitor than an old school sailor.

Armel Le Cleach' : New generation of very sofisticated solo sailors, very gritty and obstinate, learned quite a lot since 08, has a great boat, breat tactician, sometimes a little bit to conservative

Mike Golding : Obviously very good and experimented sailor, had a lot of bad luck but always among leaders, proven boat.

Bernard Stamm : Talended sailor, very specific boat, can make it

Outsiders :

Marc Guillemot : very nifty boat, good skills, better confidence since he won some races, maybe not enough of a fighter in the pack.

François Gabart : Young and talended, great boat, but I don't really like his style. Too technical and "clean" to me.

Alex Thomson : Skilled, fast, but will most likely break his boat once again

Dominique Wavre : Very careful, well organised sailor, good and reliable boat, may find his way if the weather is very bad there are a lot of dismasting

Samantha Davies : Not a very good boat but a great sailor, may target the podium

[Icedtea]

Completely agree with what what Janarto has said above, I don't think Thomson will get around this time either....that boat has been broken far too many times before

[chikara]

Alex has been in a few big blows in this new boat and has come out very well I think it is his time to get round in one piece. But there is alot of class with new fast boats JPD is looking real good and the boat is well tested.

[Icedtea]

Agreed for JP Dick...IMO the race is very open this time round. the first gale will show alot up

[Haji]

With less than 2 weeks to start, I guess the field is pretty clear,

I have some clear favorites

Vincent Riou : knows the race, already won it, great boat designed specifically for this race, hardcore professional of solo sailing

Jean Le Cam : Same league as Riou, a little bit older, more old fashion, intuitive kind of guy. His boat is not the most recent but is very good judging by the last run by Peyron, and in the Barcelona under the name Renault ZE. Time for him to take is revenge after 2004.

Jean Pierre Dick : Great boat, great experience with the boat, confidence, his weak points are that he is better on duo sailing than alone, tends to push the boat to far. More a competitor than an old school sailor.

Armel Le Cleach' : New generation of very sofisticated solo sailors, very gritty and obstinate, learned quite a lot since 08, has a great boat, breat tactician, sometimes a little bit to conservative

Mike Golding : Obviously very good and experimented sailor, had a lot of bad luck but always among leaders, proven boat.

Bernard Stamm : Talended sailor, very specific boat, can make it

Outsiders :

Marc Guillemot : very nifty boat, good skills, better confidence since he won some races, maybe not enough of a fighter in the pack.

François Gabart : Young and talended, great boat, but I don't really like his style. Too technical and "clean" to me.

Alex Thomson : Skilled, fast, but will most likely break his boat once again

Dominique Wavre : Very careful, well organised sailor, good and reliable boat, may find his way if the weather is very bad there are a lot of dismasting

Samantha Davies : Not a very good boat but a great sailor, may target the podium

Very good list...although I would add Jeremie Beyou on the top of outsider's list. Very competitive, and saling the winning boat from the last race (ex Foncia/Mapre).

[Terrafirma]

Yeah great to hear everyones favourites. I hope we get more boats staying in the race this time around, too many failures last time around and takes the interest out for me. Some of these guys really need to focus on finishing the race, the turtoise can beat the hare..! LOL

[MSafiri]

Surprised to see AdB (French style abbreviation, stand for Alessandro di Benedetto) missing from the lists. Okay, he might have limited IMOCA 60 experience, but hell of a sailor though. I hope he will be able to chase the other guys and will come back with a good result.

Had any of you seen the film about Vendee Globe? www.racingaroundtheworldalone.com

Have fun following the race!

Msafiri

[MR.CLEAN]

My office.

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[ronnie_simpson]

Clean and I have arrived in Les Sables. Standby for the best ever English-language coverage of the Vendee!!

[ronnie_simpson]

Follow Vendee Globe via Twitter!

From Vendee press department:


Twitter

You can follow us at @VendeeGlobe

And tweet us too – don’t forget to #VG2012 on any Vendee Globe chatter

We love to be retweeted so feel free to RT our tweets into your community and encourage your twitter chums to get onboard the Vendee Globe.

Follow the skipper Twitter #VG2012

@AKENAVerandas60
@samanthadavies
@BertranddeBroc
@tanguydelamotte
@groupebel60
@team_plastique
@dick_jeanpierre
@francoisgabart
@GoldingMike
@SafranSailing
@LeCam_SynerCiel
@VoileBanquePop
@Vincent_Riou
@AccionaSailing
@Poujoulat_Stamm
@atracing99

[MR.CLEAN]

[Moonduster]

"When you walk into the tent, the place is absolutely massive" - well, what does that mean, exactly? Wasn't it massive before walking into the tent? Did you think it might be virtually massive? And is the inside of the tent really massive at all, I mean, what's it's mass, really? I'm thinking it's nearly all air.

So I'm at 1:05 of this "best coverage ever", almost 1/3 through, and it's hasn't said a god damned thing yet. I've gagged on the music and the video - why would I watch any more?

How about if you dump the hyperbole and actually do some ... ummm ... reporting?

[Terrorvision]

I'm more concerned that Ronnie has hair now- must be cold over there!

[MSafiri]

"When you walk into the tent, the place is absolutely massive" - well, what does that mean, exactly? Wasn't it massive before walking into the tent? Did you think it might be virtually massive? And is the inside of the tent really massive at all, I mean, what's it's mass, really? I'm thinking it's nearly all air.

So I'm at 1:05 of this "best coverage ever", almost 1/3 through, and it's hasn't said a god damned thing yet. I've gagged on the music and the video - why would I watch any more?

How about if you dump the hyperbole and actually do some ... ummm ... reporting?

It is done like this for you and for all of us. Imagine getting damned good coverage for the coming 10 days, then damned good coverage for the coming 80+ days, what would you say to your boss? and to your wife when you get fired doing nothing for more than 90 days, but checking SA in every 1 min?????

Just preparing another machine in the office to project the tracker all time, found an old beamer and some left over boxes.....let the fun start

[victor t]

great video http://www.thedailys...ide-tour-part-1

[MR.CLEAN]

How about if you dump the hyperbole and actually do some ... ummm ... reporting?

Nope. It's all hyperbole, all the time, but only because we want to piss Moonduster off.

Seriously dude - this coverage is specifically NOT for you. Please don't waste any more of your time on it.

For the rest of you, thanks for watching and please be sure to let us know if you have anything specific you'd like us to try to chase down.

[MSafiri]

How about if you dump the hyperbole and actually do some ... ummm ... reporting?

Nope. It's all hyperbole, all the time, but only because we want to piss Moonduster off.

Seriously dude - this coverage is specifically NOT for you. Please don't waste any more of your time on it.

For the rest of you, thanks for watching and please be sure to let us know if you have anything specific you'd like us to try to chase down.

Clean,

just keep the stuff coming........and chase down Sir Robin, get inside his boat....check Alessandro's Mini............are you planning to be on water during the start?

MSafiri

[nkb]

Seeing as the guys have been there just two days, I thought Ronnie's first written report and then this video were both great.

They give us a good general idea of the village and the atmosphere down there and they're a solid introduction to what promises to be a full-on two weeks.

Well done and keep it coming!

[ronnie_simpson]

MSafiri,

I spoke with Sir Robin on Suhaili yesterday. We should get an interview and boat tour/ photo opportunities. He was very pleasant to meet with. Checked out Alessandro's Mini and get this, we may be helping Alessandro prep Team Plastique for half a day, filming it, writing about it, etc.

Yes we will be on water at start

cheers,
ronnie

if you did not see, there is an article on front page called "Vendee Virgin" and there is a photo i took of Alessandro's Mini "Findomestic Banca" and a bit of description about it

[ronnie_simpson]

pictures will be up later, getting ready to interview and tour our first two boats: Jeremie Beyou/ Maitre Coq and then Zbigniew "Gutek" Gutkowski on Energa.

lots of stuff coming soon. it's gonna be a late night tonight to get this all written!!

[8850]

Really enjoying the Vendee coverage, great work! Thanks!

[MSafiri]

MSafiri,

I spoke with Sir Robin on Suhaili yesterday. We should get an interview and boat tour/ photo opportunities. He was very pleasant to meet with. Checked out Alessandro's Mini and get this, we may be helping Alessandro prep Team Plastique for half a day, filming it, writing about it, etc.

Yes we will be on water at start

cheers,
ronnie

if you did not see, there is an article on front page called "Vendee Virgin" and there is a photo i took of Alessandro's Mini "Findomestic Banca" and a bit of description about it

Hey Ronnie,

Seen it, but on my mobile what I meant is to try to get inside......I followed hisadventure and he is my favourite even though I am not sure he will have a chance to win, but he is hell of a sailor.

The last thing missing: having Suhaili and Joshua in the port is to have some pictures of Teignmouth Electron to have the history replayed.

About being on the water: hope you guys will freeze your ass, danmed lucky bastards..I promised to the kid to watch France vs. Oz test match on that day in Paris.

Cheers and keep the stuff coming

MSafiri

[SereneSpeed]

Clean and Ronnie,

If you can, please take up-close pictures of the rigging details and intricate build details. There was an excellent link a couple years ago with pics like that. Judging by the number of times it pops up in other threads, I doubt I'm the only one fascinated with the gear they are using.

Thanks and good stuff so far.

[Koukel]

Nice "Advuseum" they put up.

Looks fun and like you might learn something while soaking up some righteous sponsor message.

Koukel

[HASYB]

From the website of François Chevalier, drawings of the last 6 winners of the Vendee Glode.
Hélas en Français.

http://chevaliertagl...queurs-des.html

[Marvin]

Clean and Ronnie,

If you can, please take up-close pictures of the rigging details and intricate build details. There was an excellent link a couple years ago with pics like that. Judging by the number of times it pops up in other threads, I doubt I'm the only one fascinated with the gear they are using.

+1 from another techno-junky...

Good coverage so far for those of us stuck behind a desk.

Ronnie's video tour was much appreciated; possibly nothing new for those who have been there, but as someone whose luck has run out as far as making it to Les Sables this year, I look forward to more of the candid walk throughs...

Cheers!

[Presuming Ed]

From the website of François Chevalier, drawings of the last 6 winners of the Vendee Glode.
Hélas en Français.

http://chevaliertagl...queurs-des.html

Do like this:

[MR.CLEAN]

Just back from helping Gutek and team bring Energa over to the travelift for a quick haul to change the prop. Dumbass me wore shorts today, and it's getting sporty now. Ronnie got a great walkthrough of Maitre Coq (ex Mapfre, ex-Foncia) that he'll work on tonight, and i got a long interview with Beyou and a shorter one with the always-smiling Gutek.

Docks and entire race village will be CLOSED tomorrow thanks to forecasts for winds to 90 km/h. Welcome to Biscay...

[Potter]

From SAEM Vendee - as a result of the weather forecast provided by the weather-France indicating very strong gusts of winds exceeding 90 km/h, the village of the Vendée Globe and access to the dock in les Sables D'olonne, will be closed in their entirety Wednesday 31 October from 8 pm tonight and tomorrow Thursday November 1 all day.

With our apologies for any inconvenience caused by this closure.

The SAEM VENDÉE

Dee and I are heading down on Sunday for the week. Can't wait.

[MR.CLEAN]

Excellent! buy ya a drink

[Haji]

Great job guys! I get a real kick out of Ronnie's enthused commentary, I remember my first time there...;-)
Looking forward to seeing you there!

[Presuming Ed]

great video http://www.thedailys...ide-tour-part-1

Yup. All four (so far) are great stuff. 40 (again, so far) mins of Alex T and Mike G walking the docks and talking about the boats. More than enough to justify my subscription for a year.

[Marvin]

Docks and entire race village will be CLOSED tomorrow thanks to forecasts for winds to 90 km/h. Welcome to Biscay...

Perfect! you've already switched to kilometres per hour...

Stay safe...

[Marvin]

From the website of François Chevalier, drawings of the last 6 winners of the Vendee Glode.
Hélas en Français.

http://chevaliertagl...queurs-des.html

Which reminds me it's been over 15 years since Canadian Gerry Roufs was lost at sea while in second place behind Auguin. I believe his last communication to the RC was something along the lines of "the waves are as tall as the Alps..."

How time flies...

[MR.CLEAN]

great video http://www.thedailys...ide-tour-part-1

Yup. All four (so far) are great stuff. 40 (again, so far) mins of Alex T and Mike G walking the docks and talking about the boats. More than enough to justify my subscription for a year.

How much does that cost?

[MR.CLEAN]

Oh, and breaking news:

I am now on the commentating team for the official VG video stream, to be broadcast live for five hours on race start day. It's me and sailor/social media chick Clare on the microphones.

We'll have it all embedded live on the Front Page. I can promise you will laugh!

[Tunnel Rat]

How about if you dump the hyperbole and actually do some ... ummm ... reporting?

Nope. It's all hyperbole, all the time, but only because we want to piss Moonduster off.

Seriously dude - this coverage is specifically NOT for you. Please don't waste any more of your time on it.

For the rest of you, thanks for watching and please be sure to let us know if you have anything specific you'd like us to try to chase down.

Clean and Ronnie - thanks for the stuff so far, and looking forward to the rest of it.

One thing I would love is a complete film of the entire sequence for a gybe, a tack, a spinnaker hoist, peel and douse - or just one of the list. Just to get a proper understanding of how the hell they do that. Not too much to ask?

It is easy enough to do these manoeuvres singlehanded on a 20 or 30 fter in calm winds and flat water - but on a 60 fter with water ballast and a canting keel in big winds and any sort of sea is a whole different ball game.

This is the best race to follow I think - have fun while you are there.

[Tunnel Rat]

great video http://www.thedailys...ide-tour-part-1

Yup. All four (so far) are great stuff. 40 (again, so far) mins of Alex T and Mike G walking the docks and talking about the boats. More than enough to justify my subscription for a year.

How much does that cost?

http://www.thedailysail.com/welcome

[Left Hook]

How about if you dump the hyperbole and actually do some ... ummm ... reporting?

Nope. It's all hyperbole, all the time, but only because we want to piss Moonduster off.

Seriously dude - this coverage is specifically NOT for you. Please don't waste any more of your time on it.

For the rest of you, thanks for watching and please be sure to let us know if you have anything specific you'd like us to try to chase down.

Clean and Ronnie - thanks for the stuff so far, and looking forward to the rest of it.

One thing I would love is a complete film of the entire sequence for a gybe, a tack, a spinnaker hoist, peel and douse - or just one of the list. Just to get a proper understanding of how the hell they do that. Not too much to ask?

It is easy enough to do these manoeuvres singlehanded on a 20 or 30 fter in calm winds and flat water - but on a 60 fter with water ballast and a canting keel in big winds and any sort of sea is a whole different ball game.

This is the best race to follow I think - have fun while you are there.

There was a step-by-step video of (in fench) Loick Peyron doing this in his 60 a while back. Anyone have the link? I can't find it.

[nkb]

Here's a really good animation of what has to go on below decks when tacking or jibing and IMOCA....

[steinbrenner]

Here's a really good animation of what has to go on below decks when tacking or jibing and IMOCA....

no link!?

Here's a really good animation of what has to go on below decks when tacking or jibing and IMOCA....

no link!?

i mean i cant see it