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[ronnie_simpson]

all right guys, i've been working on writing a preview article of each boat and skipper in the fleet, so that they can be referenced throughout the race. I've got 15 done right now, still 5 to go, but here goes!

Enjoy!

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Acciona" and skipper Javier "Bubi" Sanso

Every skipper in the Vendee seems to be in the race for a slightly different reason. Some are in it to win it, like JP Dick on Virbac-Paprec 3, whereas others sail under the inspiration of adventure, such as Alessandro di Benedetto on Team Plastique. Longtime Anarchist Javier “Bubi” Sanso and his brand-new, custom built Owen-Clarke designed “Acciona” are here for an entirely different reason; to prove a point and set a precedent. Powered entirely by renewable energy, Bubi is poised to be the first yachtsman to ever race solo, non-stop and around the world while remaining completely carbon-neutral and without the use of a single drop of fossil fuel. An innovator on several counts, “Acciona” is not just a feel good campaign about saving the environment. Bubi is a competitor and “Acciona” is on the cutting edge of design and technology.

When touring “Acciona” the shore crew proudly shows off the yacht’s crown jewel: it’s electrical system. With a 48-volt system run by 120 square feet of cutting-edge solar panel technology, two 350-watt wind generators and two 400-watt hydro generators, “Acciona’s” system is truly unlike any other IMOCA 60 here in Les Sables. Further than just having renewable energy, the “Acciona” team has truly broken new ground by ditching the inboard diesel engine entirely, instead relying on an electric inboard motor weighing just 26 kg (57 lbs) . In addition to all of the renewable energy sources, a hydrogen fuel cell is carried in case of emergency.

Concentrating solely on “Acciona’s” fossil fuel independence is to sell the yacht short. Remember, this is a brand-new Owen-Clarke designed IMOCA 60 that is poised to turn in a quick lap of the planet. One of the lighter boats in the fleet at just 8 metric tons (17,600 lbs), the “Acciona” team has gone to great strides to keep the boat competitive, weight-wise. Tremendous efforts were also made in terms of hull and foil development, building several 1/7 scale models to use for tank testing, with a 1/3 scale model being built of the final design. With a Lorima rig and future fibers carbon rigging, “Acciona” was designed above all else to be reliable, as well as fast. “For us, it is very important that we finish the race. Bubi is a competitor and wants to do well, but the purpose of the campaign is to circumnavigate without fossil fuels. We can’t do that if we don’t finish”, says boat captain Tim Hardy. When talking to head rigger and Barcelona World Race vet Pachi Rivero, he explained “Acciona is extremely fast upwind and a very solid boat. As long as everything works and the boat stays together, we expect Bubi to finish in the top 5”.

Ronnie’s opinion: “Acciona” is a well funded and thoroughly modern campaign. Bubi won’t compete for the overall win, but will have pace to stay with the “best of the rest” once the leading handful of boats check out. As mentioned above, this campaign’s top priority is to finish the race, so expect Bubi to be quick and consistent, but not blindingly fast nor aggressive.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Banque Populaire" and skipper Armel Le Cleac'h

In a 20-boat fleet where there is no clear favorite and any one of ten skippers could realistically win, picking the winner is a near impossibility. Impossible as it may be, oddsmakers have to pick someone to be the favorite, and that man is Armel Le Cléac’h. The 35-year old “Banque Populaire” skipper is sailing in his second Vendee Globe, having finished in second place in his first Vendee. With a boat that was designed for “The Professor”, Michel Desjoyeaux, the Frenchman has inherited what was arguably the fastest boat in the 2010-11 Barcelona World Race, having dismasted while leading. A VPLP sistership to the “other” prodigy in the fleet (MACIF and skipper Francois Gabart), Armel should be frighteningly fast, constantly pushing for the win.

Described by many as “One of the best sailors of his generation”, Armel Le Cléac’h possesses an incredible talent that began with him becoming an Optimist champion as a young boy in Saint-Pol-de-Leon, in the Northwest of France. The immensely talented young skipper entered the Solitaire du Figaro in 2000 and easily became the top placing rookie; the phenom from Brittany finished a remarkable 2nd overall. Three years later, he won the Figaro before making his move into Open 60’s. The 2008 IMOCA class World Champion placed second in both the last Route du Rhum and in the last Transat B to B. In addition, Armel won the Solitaire du Figaro for a second time in 2010, an extraordinary feat that only four other sailors have ever achieved. I could go on and on about how talented Armel Le Cléac’h is, but I think you get the point. The kid is the real deal.

One of the last IMOCA class yachts to be built by the late, great Hubert Desjoyeaux, “Banque Populaire” was originally known as “Foncia” and sailed in the 2010-11 Barcelona World Race with both Michel Desjoyeaux and MACIF skipper Francois Gabart. Breaking the rig at the top spreaders and forced to retire to South Africa shortly after entering the Southern Ocean, the new generation VPLP design been plagued by reliability issues since her launch in the second half of 2010. With a quickly growing list of podium finishes, “Banque Pop” has shown incredible pace and is one of the absolute fastest boats in the fleet, but this is not without it’s associated drawbacks: after slamming off of a wave in 2011, the ultralight 60-footer ended up with a major crack in the hull and deck. Now fully repaired, Armel says that the boat is stronger than ever and is in top form.

Ronnie’s opinoin: As mentioned in the first paragraph, oddsmakers have Armel Le Cléac’h listed as the race favorite. Armel is incredibly gifted and his yacht “Banque Populaire” is undeniably fast, so I expect him to contend for the win from Day 1. The one time that his boat ventured into the Southern Ocean, however, she lost the top 1/3 of her rig. Less than a year later, she cracked both her hull and deck. My personal opinion is that she won’t last a month in the Southern Ocean. If “Banque Pop” doesn’t break, she’ll be super fast. But that’s a big if, given the history....

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Cheminees Poujoulat" and Swiss skipper Bernard Stamm

Jaun K is one of the most respected yacht designers on the planet. The Argentinian naval architect has designed a plethora of race winning yachts for a variety of different classes over the years, finding and exploiting a successful and rewarding niche in the Volvo Ocean Race, designing fully half of the fleet in the last edition of the race. Unfortunately, he can’t design an IMOCA 60 capable of winning the Vendee Globe race. But don’t tell that to Bernard Stamm. The veteran Swiss skipper, winner of two solo round the world races in IMOCA class yachts commissioned Juan to design his new boat, “Cheminees Poujoulat”, specifically for the Vendee. Nearly losing the boat in last year’s Transat Jacques Vabre race, Bernard is here in Les Sables d’Olonne with a purpose-built, and unique, weapon that will be a dark horse in this year’s race.

A lumberjack by trade, Bernard built his own prototype Open 6.50 and campaigned it in the 1995 Mini Transat race, sailing to an impressive third place finish. Eight years later, in 2003, he won the Around Alone Race, backing that up with a win in the 2007 Velux 5 Oceans. His yacht “Cheminees Poujoulat” (ex Virbac-Paprec) ran aground on the Kerguelen Islands in the 2008-09 Vendee Globe, deep in the Southern Ocean. Damaging the boat, he was forced to retire. Traveling back to Europe, the decision was quickly made for him to enter this year’s Vendee Globe on an all-new boat, also dubbed “Cheminees Poujoulat”, or “The Sooty Pussy” as she is affectionately known within the fleet, owing to her sponsorship by a chimney company and the black cat on her logo...

The 2011 Transat Jacques Vabre race was no more forgiving to Bernard than the 08-09 Vendee. Hitting an unidentified floating object (presumably a shipping container, according to Stamm), the boat was holed and began taking on water. Bernard and his one crew member Jean Francois Cuzon were rescued by a helicopter and flown to the Azores. With a chartered fishing boat, Stamm and his team found the stricken yacht and towed her back to port. “She is fully repaired and stronger than new at this point. It’s amazing what you can do with carbon fiber”, says the Swiss sailor. The only Juan K boat in the fleet, she is some 800 kilos heavier than the latest-generation VPLP designs and therefore suffers downwind and in light air. According to Stamm and several other skippers in the fleet, “Cheminees Poujoulat” is “scary fast in reaching conditions”. With her massive beam and powerful hull form, she excels to windward and close to beam reaching conditions. With one of the most unique, innovative and effective solutions in the fleet for gear stacking, Stamm uses a set of mainsheet traveler cars on a long U-shaped track that hangs from the roof of the cabin. By simply pulling a line and clutching off the line, Stamm can move 6 gear bags, totaling 900 kg, from port to starboard in just seconds. Also with stacking racks for the sails, Stamm has one of the most optimized, performance-oriented interiors of any yacht in the fleet. With a classic-style rig and kick-up rudders, “Cheminees Poujoulat” is designed to be pushed hard all the time.

Ronnie’s opinion: I’m going out on a limb with this one. Bernard Stamm is one of my dark horse picks. He will be fast. Scary fast. I’ve heard a lot of skippers in the fleet discussing climate change and constantly north-moving ice limits. Pushing the fleet further and further north, they won’t be able to hook into as many Westerlies, effectively creating more upwind and close-reaching conditions for the fleet. If this happens, Stamm’s boat could have significant pace. Somewhat of a dog in downwind and light conditions, owing to her wetted surface area and relatively high displacement, she will excel in these upwind and close to beam-reaching conditions. I expect Bernard Stamm and “Cheminees Poujoulat” to sail in the top 5 once the fleet enters the Southern Ocean. With a solid classic-style rig, she will be reliable as long as Stamm doesn’t do something stupid like run her aground again.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Energa" and Polish skipper Zbigniew "Gutek" Gutkowski

“Energa” (ex- Hugo Boss) is a late comer to the 2012-13 Vendee Globe scene, to say the least, having been purchased just two months prior to the race. The Finot/ Conq designed IMOCA 60 battled hard with Virbac-Paprec 2 before finishing a very respectable 2nd place in the 2007-08 Barcelona World Race, becoming the first IMOCA yacht to reel off a 500 nautical mile day, setting a new 24 hour monohull record in the process. In stark contrast to her successful Barcelona World Race performance, her second round the world race was doomed from the get-go. While sailing to Les Sables d’Olonne for the start of the 2008-09 Vendee Globe, British skipper Alex Thomson was hit by a fishing boat, tearing a massive hole in the starboard side of the boat. Working around the clock for 6 and a half days, the yacht was repaired just in time to make the start of the race. Just two days into the race, in a brutal storm that damaged nearly 1/3 of the fleet, “Hugo Boss” was forced to retire due to structural problems on the port side of the hull, opposite the repair.

Polish skipper Zbigniew “Gutek” Gutkowski and the entire “Energa” team has been furiously preparing for the Vendee since purchasing “Energa”. Just weeks after purchase, Gutek sailed out of Gosport to complete his 1,500 solo qualifying sail for the Vendee. Enduring periods of 35 knot headwinds, dead calms and a high-speed collision with a whale, Gutek exuberantly speaks of his qualifier, “Energa sailed 406 nautical miles in 24 hours without even pushing the boat. I had just hit the whale very hard so I did not want to push the boat too hard. “Energa” is a brutally fast machine!”.

Sponsored by Polish energy company “Energa”, one of the campaign’s goals is to complete the Vendee Globe almost entirely on renewable energy. Equipped with two hydrogenerators, a large array of solar panels and a 400-watt wind generator, the 5 year old yacht is completely energy independent, only relying on the inboard diesel for propulsion and rule compliance. When speaking about Energa’s electrical system, boat captain Maciek “Magic” Marczewski proudly states “Basically, we can plug in New York and make a disco-tech, or whatever.... We have plenty of power. Gutek can leave everything on all the time and still have plenty of power.” Despite having just purchased the boat two months ago, “Energa” has undergone an extensive, and impressive, refit. New PBO standing rigging, all-new Marlow Ropes running rigging, new furlers and a new suit of sails from Incidences Sails only start the list of improvements since being purchased by Gutek and the “Energa” team.

Ronnie’s opinion: Gutek has a wealth of experience in everything from 470s to Maxi Trimarans, but will be hampered by a lack of time in the boat. If “Energa” holds together and makes it to the Southern Ocean cleanly, Gutek could be a top 5 contender as “Energa” is capable of huge days, but more realistically should sail around mid-fleet.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Gamesa" and English skipper Mike Golding

This isn’t Mike Golding’s first rodeo. The veteran English skipper is back for this, his fourth Vendee Globe, tied with Swiss skipper Dominique Wavre as the most experienced Vendee skipper in the fleet. Dismasted while leading the Vendee Globe in 2008-09, Mike is back for 2012 in the same boat, which has been thoroughly massaged in the work up to the start of it’s second Vendee. 500 kilos lighter and with a new rig, “Gamesa” is a more lean, mean version of her former “Ecover 3” self. When interviewing Mike, he is very forthright with his ambitions: “My goal is to the first Briton to ever win the Vendee Globe”.

Mike Golding’s resume more closely resembles a small novel than a bio of one’s sailing accomplishments. Then again, with a nickname like “King of the South”, you had better have some serious miles logged in the Southern Ocean. The first person to ever race around the world solo and non-stop in both directions, Golding has a total of five solo circumnavigations. With 2 IMOCA World Championships, a 3rd place finish in the Vendee Globe (2004-05), and a win in the BT Global Challenge in 1996-97, Mike has arguably sailed more miles solo on an Open 60 than any other sailor. Ever. Okay, okay, you get my point, Mike has done a fair bit of sailing. One may think that with all of these achievements, he would be content to take it easy and merely sail the race to add to his count. If you think that, you don’t know Mike Golding. In our interview Mike tells us, “As i’ve gotten older, I have had to change my approach a bit. I’ve been in the gym a lot and am feeling great. I am feeling the best I have in years. The boat is feeling great. She’s faster and stronger than she’s ever been. I want to win this race.” Not only is his yacht “Gamesa” leaner and meaner for this Vendee Globe, but the skipper is too.

“Gamesa” (ex-Ecover 3) is an Owen Clarke designed IMOCA 60 built in England and launched in the second half of 2007. Put on a very serious diet after the last Vendee, the Gamesa crew has shed 500 kilos off the boat, 180 of which came off when they swapped from a rotating mast to a classic-style Future Fibers rig with carbon standing rigging. Completely re-designing the cockpit and coach roof were just part of the massive optimization undergone in 2011. Before the refit, Merfyn Owen of Owen Clarke Design was given a design brief with just one priority: To win the 2012 Vendee Globe.

Ronnie’s opinion: Mike Golding is a massively experienced Vendee skipper and has a fast and competitive boat. He will sail a smart race, but don’t expect him to fight for the lead. He will sail around mid-fleet and move up as the lighter, faster boats break. Expect him to finish in the top third of the fleet, maybe higher if there is a lot of carnage.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Groupe Bel" and skipper Kito de Pavant

One of the hardest working and most dedicated skippers in the fleet, Kito de Pavant is a sailor through and through. Seemingly always at sea for training, to meet sponsor obligations, participate in a race or sail his own deliveries, Kito and his 2007 VPLP-designed IMOCA 60 “Groupe Bel” have racked up more than 100,000 miles at sea since her launch date. With 2nd place finishes in the 2007 Transat B to B, 2009 Transat Jacques Vabre and 2009 Istanbul Europa Race, reaching the top spot of an IMOCA class podium has long eluded this 51 year old skipper from the Mediterranean region of France. A charming man who always wears a smile and is friendly and approachable in the pub or on the dock, Kito and his sponsor “Bel” have one of the longest-running and strongest sponsor- skipper relations in the sport, having been together since 2005.

One of the first IMOCA 60’s designed by VPLP, “Groupe Bel” has been a pioneer in this new generation of Open 60’s. Built in 2007, the distinctive red yacht adorned with a massive laughing cow on it’s sails and hull is still one of the lightest yachts in the IMOCA class with a published weight of just 7,700 kg. Combine this with a staggering 7,157 square feet of downwind sail area, the most in the fleet, and an ultra-wide and powerful hull form and you can clearly see “Groupe Bel”’s massive potential for performance. Unfortunately, this yacht has been plagued with reliability issues in her two attempts at non-stop circumnavigations, first dismasting in a nasty Biscay storm on day 2 of the 2008-09 Vendee and secondly retiring from the 2010-11 Barcelona World Race with keel issues after leading briefly and sailing in third place for much of the race, having sailed around all three capes before calling it quits.

With a cockpit and interior layout unlike any other boat in the fleet, “Groupe Bel” is in my opinion the most highly customized boat in this edition of the Vendee Globe, with seemingly every feature of the boat completely customized to Kito’s preferences and sailing habits. As an example, even the bucket seats in the cockpit and at the nav station were made using foam that was molded directly off of Kito’s body. One of the only wheel-steered boats tied to the pontoon in Les Sables, “Groupe Bel” is one of the most refined, comfortable and well sorted boats in the fleet, owing a great deal to how much time Kito spends on board.

Bottom line: Kito and “Groupe Bel” have been the unfortunate recipient of a great deal of bad luck over the years, but they are poised to shine and finally finish a non-stop round the world race with this year’s Vendee. When “Groupe Bel” has stayed together, she’s been fast, but it’s been 3 years since she’s found her way to an IMOCA class podium. Expect Kito de Pavant and “Groupe Bel” to sail a smart and consistent race, finishing just inside of the top half of the fleet.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Hugo Boss" and English skipper Alex Thomson

Alex Thomson knows a thing or three about IMOCA 60’s and what makes them special, now sailing on this, the fourth iteration of Hugo Boss. “This boat is special”, says Alex. “Of all the IMOCA’s i’ve sailed, this is the one that my heart comes back to. This is the first one i’ve truly bonded with.” Strong words from a veteran skipper, but consider the yacht’s record and you’ll quickly see that this is more than just lip service being offered in a press interview. In 2010, Roland Jourdain sailed this yacht, then named “Veolia Entertainment” to a resounding IMOCA class win in the Route du Rhum, besting both Vincent Riou (PRB) and Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia), winners of the previous 3 Vendee Globes. And this summer, Alex smashed the singlehanded monohull transatlantic record by more than 24 hours, further proving the capabilities of the 2007 Farr designed Open 60.

Before touring Hugo Boss, I had the privilege of a delightful chat with Alex where he talked candidly about the boat and it’s performance. “There are several boats in the fleet with more power and a potential for more speed, but they are difficult to extract that performance. This boat is more well mannered. Even though she is less powerful than several boats in the fleet, I can effectively sail her to a higher percentage of her potential, and therefore faster. The last Hugo Boss (now Energa with Polish skipper “Gutek”) was much more powerful and faster in the right conditions, but an absolute brute to sail. This boat is much better all around. In a doublehanded race, sure, there are some faster boats in the fleet, but in a solo, non-stop, round the world race, this Hugo Boss will be very hard to beat.”

When touring the boat, the first words that came to my mind were “refined” and “beautiful”, where as other boats in the fleet have elicited descriptions of “bad ass” and “extreme”. As a singlehander, one of the first things I look at is cockpit layout. Sure, all of these boats have very evolved deck layouts with every line on the boat being led back to the cockpit, but not all of them have wowed me with cockpit functionality. This was not the case on board Hugo Boss, where I immediately felt at home. Stepping down below, you find a large, open salon that is both bright and comfortable. This is quite a departure from many boats in the fleet which are either segmented, small, dark or uncomfortable once below decks. That word “refined” comes to mind again. Stepping back on deck, you’ll find a simple and reliable triple-spreader rig with hard carbon standing rigging. An uncluttered foredeck rounds out the package. As you step away, you can’t help but admire Alex’s taste in boats. The semi-chrome paint job accented with black, orange and large white HUGO BOSS branding goes a long way in making this the most attractive IMOCA in the fleet.

Ronnie's opinion: Alex Thomson is a contender for the win. I came to France wanting to think that one of the French sailors on a newer VPLP design would claim Vendee victory, but AT has sold me; on himself, his boat and his team. This is Alex’s time. Don’t expect Hugo Boss to be the fastest in an outright speed competition, but this is a great all around boat and after several years of bad luck, expect Alex to sail smart, fast and consistent. He will be one of the first boats back to Les Sables.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Initiatives Couer" and skipper Tanguy de Lamotte

Racing solo and non-stop around the world is an inherently dangerous sport. With icebergs, treacherous seas, unidentified floating objects and an ocean full of commercial vessels, every skipper in this fleet is truly rolling the dice to sail in the Vendee Globe. While all 20 skippers in the race are risking their lives through sailing, only one of them is saving lives through sailing. That skipper is Tanguy de Lamotte. The 34 year-old Frenchman is sailing a two-time Vendee Globe veteran of a boat in the Marc Lombard designed “Initiatives Couer”, and will be raising money and awareness to promote the charity “Mécénat Chlrurgie Cardiaque”, which flies children from third-world nations to France to receive necessary life-saving heart surgery.

Tanguy is not just a sailor and philanthropist, but also a yacht designer and builder. After high school, he traveled to England to study naval architecture and in the process worked with skippers such as Ellen Macarthur and Brian Thompson, helping them to prepare for their respective Vendee Globe campaigns. In 2002, he launched an Open 6.50 of his own design and built and successfully raced it to a 7th place finish in the 2005 Mini Transat race. Moving into the bigger, more powerful Class 40’s, he designed and built another boat; the wildly successful Class 40 “Initiatives”. After winning a Class 40 World Championship, 2 Rolex Fastnet races and a Solitaire du Chocolat, the young naval architect has made the move to the IMOCA 60 class.

Tanguy’s yacht “Initiatives-Couer” is a March Lombard design which was launched in 1998 for the 2000-01 Vendee Globe and was sailed by Catherine Chabaud as “Whirlpool”, and again sailed in the 2004-05 race skippered by Marc Thiercelin. Finishing neither race, it wasn’t until American Brad Van Liew took possession of her that she could finally taste glory in a round-the-world race, winning every single leg of the 2010-11 Velux 5 Ocean Race as “Le Pingouin”. Now with the “Initiatives-Couer” team, she has been thoroughly updated and refit to compete in this, her third Vendee Globe.

Ronnie's opinion: Tanguy de Lamotte is in this race for a reason and it’s not to win the Vendee Globe. He’s here to complete the race, gain experience in the IMOCA 60 class and to raise money for a good and noble cause. Expect this charismatic young skipper to knock off a few newer, faster boats and come back in 2016 with a better funded program.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "MACIF" and skipper Francois Gabart

Winning the Vendee Globe requires a significant amount of seamanship and experience. Keeping the boat together for 90 days, sailing smart and efficient and routing yourself well enough to win against a fleet of the world’s best sailors is no small undertaking, to put it mildly. And so it is nothing short of incredible that Francois Gabart, as a rookie, has positioned himself as a favorite to win this, the 7th edition of the Vendee. Francois’ rapid ascendence to prominence is something that has left the entire sailing world in shock. A prodigy in every sense of the word, the 29 year old Gabart has won at every level he has sailed. Many skippers in the fleet have praised Francois as “the talent of a generation” or “the most gifted sailor in the fleet”.

As a teenager, Francois managed to accumulate not just a National Optimist championship, but became a National Moth Champion as well. 5 years alter, he became the Junior World Champion in the (then) Olympic class Tornado catamaran. In 2007, Gabart turned to ocean racing and in 2008, he was the top rookie in the Solitaire du Figaro. In 2009, he placed 2nd in the Transat Jacques Vabre alongside veteran skipper Kito de Pavant on Groupe Bel. By 2010, Gabart won the skipper selection process held by MACIF and therefore earned his role as skipper of their new Open 60, a new VPLP design. In 2010-11, Gabart sailed a MACIF sistership (Banque Populaire, ex Foncia) in the Barcelona World Race with “The Professor” Michel Desjoyeaux. The pair dismasted while leading. As Desjoyeaux moved into a multihull with the MOD 70, the older Professor seemingly passed the torch onto the younger prodigy Gabart, leaving Francois as arguably the most talented skipper in the IMOCA class, as Francois is currently leading the IMOCA World Championship.

In the 2012-13 Vendee Globe, Francois Gabart will sail the brand-new new VPLP/ Verdier designed “MACIF”. Launched in 2011, she is a slightly newer sister ship to Armel le Cleach’s “Banque Populaire”. One of the fleet’s lightest boats at less than 8 metric tons and with an ultra-wide and powerful hull form, MACIF is the very antithesis of conservative. When you first walk up to MACIF, one of the first things that catches your eye is the deck. Concave in it’s center, the deck slopes inwards to effectively lower the tack of each headsail by just a couple of inches. This philosophy of pushing the envelope of performance design to it’s maximum is present throughout the whole of MACIF. With deck spreaders and a rotating wing mast, not a single aspect of MACIF is anything less than extreme. Her slightly older sistership Banque Populaire has been plagued with reliability issues since her launch, while MACIF has sailed more than 20,000 trouble-free miles in just over a year.

Bottom line: In an outright speed competition, MACIF and Gabart are possibly the single fastest boat in the fleet. If they don’t break, they could win. Not breaking may present a problem though as both MACIF and her Banque Pop sistership are blurring the line between the limit and exceeding that limit. Francois will provide constant excitement to all of us watching the race and will set a fantastic pace at the front of the fleet, but my gut says he’ll break.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Maitre Coq" and skipper Jeremie Beyou

Some Open 60’s are perfect right out of the gate, while others require years and years of tweaking to achieve good results. Maitre Coq (ex-Foncia, MAPFRE) is not the latter. The Bruce Farr designed yacht was a collaboration between Michel Desjoyeaux and his late, great brother Hubert at CDK Technologies, and the group effort has resulted in a yacht whose performances have been nothing short of breathtaking: 1st place in the 2008-09 Vendee Globe, 1st place in the 2009 Istanbul Europa Race and then 2nd place in the 2010-2011 Barcelona World Race. In her Vendee triumph, Desjoyeaux was forced to return to port for repairs, and effectively spotted the fleet 41 hours. Despite this handicap, he sailed around the world in just over 84 days, claiming victory by more than 5 days and smashing the Vendee record in the process, clearly illustrating Maitre Coq’s potential when in the right hands.

Skipper Jeremie Beyou and his Maitre Coq team have done very little to modify the yacht before entering it in this, it’s third non-stop round the world race. “We didn’t want to revolutionize the boat when we bought it. Jeremie wanted a strong and fast boat, and Maitre Coq is quite special”, states preparateur Erwan Staff. Keeping true to that intention, the boat has only been the beneficiary of a new mast, a new boom and a new diesel engine. In MAPFRE guise, Spanish skiff/ Volvo sailors Iker Martinez and Xabi Fernandez altered the mast from Desjoyeaux’s design; they wanted a mast that was bullet proof, allowing them to sail the boat hard all the time, like a Volvo 70 or 49er. While training in April, a shroud failed, causing Maitre Coq to lose it’s mast. Beyou and company consulted with CDK Technologies to design a mast which was both lighter and even stronger than the old mast. “We know the boat is fast. Jeremie’s top priority is to have a reliable and fast boat, something where he can sail fast all the time and not have to worry about breaking the boat. That was the design brief to the rig engineers.”

The general sentiment that I received when talking to skipper Jeremie and preperateur Erwan is that the boat is fast, but more importantly, reliable. The word kept coming up again and again. Even when John Pierre Dick and Loick Peyron won the Barcelona World Race on Virbac-Paprec 3, they were forced to stop twice for repairs. Furthermore, Jeremie sailed (and won) the 2011 Transat Jacques Vabre with JP Dick on V-P 3. He knows where the newer VPLP boats are faster, and where they are not. This bodes well for Maitre Coq, as Jeremie will know when he has to push 100% and when he can back off the throttle slightly. Jeremie admits “We are sometimes 1-2 knots slower under reaching conditions, but we know the boat is reliable. This is the key.”

Ronnie's opinion: Maitre Coq is a contender for the win. She is a proven boat and has a skipper whose career is peaking (2011 TJV win with JP Dick and 2011 Solitaire du Figaro overall win). Watch for Maitre Coq to sail in the top 5, and rise in the ranks when some of the newer boats begin to break.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "PRB" and skipper Vincent Riou

If you only know two facts about Vincent Riou, know that he is the only former Vendee winner in the fleet and that he has the lightest, and arguably fastest boat in this race with his VPLP-designed IMOCA 60 “PRB”. Vincent’s got his nickname, “Vincent the terrible”, from “Synerciel” skipper Jean Le Cam during the 2004-05 Vendee Globe when the duo seemingly match-raced around the world. In the end, the younger Riou, sailing an older and slower boat managed to beat the older Le Cam by less than seven hours to win the Vendee Globe. Sailing in third place in the 2008-09 Vendee Globe, Riou was destined to have another meeting with “King Jean”, when Le Cam capsized west of Cape Horn. The hard-charging Riou turned around and sailed back to Le Cam’s capsized boat to find and rescue the distressed skipper, damaging his rig in the process. Dismasting the following night, Riou was awarded an equal share of third place with Marc Guillermot on “Safran”.

Launched in the first quarter of 2010, “PRB” is a VPLP-designed IMOCA 60 built by Hubert Desjoyeaux’s Brittany-based CDK Technologies, builders of the past 3 Vendee Globe winning yachts. Working under the great Michel Desjoyeaux, Vincent got his start in the Vendee scene as a preparateur for Desjoyeaux during his first winning campaign in 2000-01, and it’s here that Riou learned how to work with both designer and builder to customize a boat to suit his style and to win races. The marriage has worked well as the new “PRB” has proven to be a frighteningly fast yacht. “PRB” was designed with just one goal in mind: to win the Vendee Globe, whereas some of the other IMOCA 60’s are designed to be both singlehanded and doublehanded. Because of this, she carries up to 600 square feet less sail area than the most powerful boats in the fleet, yet she remains easy to handle.

This design philosophy of creating a small, light and fast boat has produced a yacht which is absolutely minimal in every single way, with the exception of hull form. In typical VPLP style, “PRB” is extremely wide and powerful. Stepping into the cockpit, Mr. Clean and I quickly discovered that we were literally bumping into one another, with no room to move. “PRB” is the smallest, most stripped-down and most extreme yacht in this fleet. Stepping down below, in typical Desjoyeaux style, the halyards are run through carbon-fiber channels through the middle of the cabin, further segmenting the interior of the boat. Almost every time that I turned around, I seemed to bump into something. Translation: the boat fits it’s skipper like a glove. Riou has obviously had no problems becoming comfortable with the boat, as Vincent and “PRB” have been racking up IMOCA race wins with a fervor, most namely the 2011 Artemis Challenge, 2011 Rolex Fastnet and perhaps most importantly, the 2012 Europa Warm-Up race; the pre-Vendee challenge that pits all of the IMOCA competitors against one another in one leg of crewed racing and then a second, longer leg of singlehanded competition.

Ronnie's opinion: Vincent Riou is perhaps the most accomplished and competitive Vendee Globe skipper in this fleet, owning results of 1st and 3rd place. If he can finish without breaking the boat, he’s likely to win or at least contend for the victory. Having said that, not breaking the boat may prove to be impossible. In a class where the boats continue to get lighter and more extreme, there has to be a limit somewhere, and my gut instinct is that Vincent has surpassed the limit. I expect “PRB” to sail really, really fast and then break. Either way, Vincent and “PRB” will be one to watch.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "SAFRAN" and skipper Marc Guillermot

There’s nothing worse than bringing a knife to a gunfight. In the arms race that is the Vendee Globe, everyone has their weapon of choice and over the past four years, the most desirable weapon has become an IMOCA 60 designed by the VPLP design firm and Guillame Verdier. Of the six new boats in the fleet, four of them were a product of this collaboration and Marc Guillermot’s “Safran” was the one that started it all, back in 2007. Since her launch five years ago, “Safran” has compiled a massively impressive list of credentials including a third in the Vendee Globe, a Transat Jacques Vabre win, a Tour of Spain win and establishing new Round Britain and Round Ireland records.

One of the older skippers in the fleet at 53, Guillermot’s career has been peaking in the last four years, as his yacht “Safran” has revolutionized the IMOCA fleet with it’s incredible light displacement, breakaway speed and efficiency. Remaining thoroughly on the cutting edge of technology and yacht design, “Safran” incorporates several innovations that are unique in this fleet. His sponsor Safran works in the aerospace, defense and security sector and have worked side by side with the race program to make “Safran” better. Designing the mast was just the beginning, as the Safran engineers built a classic-style mast, not a rotating wing mast, that is slightly longer fore to aft and according to Guillermot, “extremely robust and reliable.” Perhaps Safran’s most unique feature, however, is her titanium keel fin. “I wanted a keel that would be light and strong and would not suffer from metal fatigue”, Guillermot explains. “The keel fin is about 5mm wider than a carbon or even steel one would be, and therefore a bit slower, but for us it is better to over build than under build”. As a military supplier, Safran clearly does not want to under build anything. Sporting an undeniably sexy paint job, “Safran” is just one of three boats in the fleet with curved daggerboards. Just as the other skippers with curved foils, Guillermot admits that he does not know if they are faster or superior, but he claims that they are easier to retract and re-insert into the water.

Ronnie's opinion: Marc Guillermot on “Safran” is a contender, but we’re not picking him to win. He has a fast boat, no doubt, and he has proven himself with good results including a podium in the last Vendee and a 2009 TJV win, but there are a lot of fast boats and talented skippers in this fleet and unfortunately, Guillermot will get lost in the crowd. Expect him to sail just outside the top 5. Having said all of this, the Vendee is a predictably unpredictable race and Guillermot is one of the nine that we feel has a very real chance of winning based on how things play out.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "SAVEOL" and English skipper Samantha Davies

This year’s fleet of Vendee Globe skippers is comprised of 19 men and one really bad ass female. Savéol skipper Samantha Davies is that bad ass. Sailing on a two-generation old boat in her first Vendee Globe, she managed an incredible 4th place finish, missing the podium by just over an hour after more than 95 days of racing. For the 2012-13 Vendee Globe, she returns with a new sponsor, a new boat and this time as a mother! The 38 year old Briton is quite literally the darling of this French crowd, constantly followed by a human mass that showers her with adoration in a manner unrivaled by any other skipper in the fleet.

During our Sailing Anarchy “Innerview”, a crowd formed around the trio of Sam, myself and Mr. Clean, climbing onto a fence to take pictures, each extending pens and race programs towards the English turned French skipper to ask for an autograph. Following the French career-model of offshore yacht racing, Sam sailed to an 11th place finish in the 2001 Mini-Transat race before moving into the IMOCA class in 2002. Completing a slew of trans-Atlantic races in the class, she finally found her sponsor “Roxy”, which allowed her to sail in the 2008-09 Vendee. Her stunning fourth place finish in the race was just a small part of what has helped her to become so incredibly popular with the French crowd. Her mastery of the French language, combined with her charm and lively, abundant commentary while on board “Roxy” earned her a massive international audience. In France, she became known as “petite anglaise” and is now widely regarded as one of their own. Her sponsor Savéol is a French company, she lives in Port-la-Foret amongst many other Vendee skippers and lives with her French boyfriend Romain Attansio, who has become her occasional doublehanded sailing partner and is the father of the couple’s 1 year-old son Ruben.

Savéol is a 2 generation old Marc Lombard designed Open 60 which is a veteran of two Vendee Globes and most recently a Barcelona World Race as “Neutrogena” sailed doublehanded by German Boris Hermann and American Anarchist Ryan Breymaier. Massively optimized since becoming Savéol, Sam’s Open 60 benefits from an all-new Juan K designed keel, as her old keel fin needed replacement which necessitated an all-new keel as her old bulb was made of Tungsten and had been grandfathered into the IMOCA class. Weighing in at just under 9 metric tons, Savéol is more than a ton heavier than the growing contingent of newer, lighter boats. After sailing in the Barcelona World Race, Ryan Breymaier claimed that the older, heavier Lombard boat was “incredibly sturdy” and “she takes care of you in all seas and conditions. Deep-reef the main and set the storm jib in heavy conditons. The boat will take care of you”. Savéol should be slower than the newer boats, no doubt, but in a race like the Vendee, being heavy and strong isn’t always a bad thing.

Ronnie's opinion: Sam Davies is an incredible talent and the more that you get to know her, the more that you like her and want to see her succeed. Expect the crowd-favorite to sail a smart, if not underwhelming race, and succeed in making it all the way around for a second time. In this fleet of newer, faster boats, Sam will struggle greatly by dragging an extra ton of carbon and resin around the globe. Expect a mid-fleet finish unless there is significant carnage. Having said that, I love Sam to death and would be ecstatic to see her prove me wrong and finish on the podium. Once again, her undeniable charm and active documentation of her Vendee experience will continue to win her fans and admirers all over the world. And in a sponsor driven sport, that makes her a true winner...

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Synerciel" and skipper Jean Le Cam

An elder statesmen in the fleet at 53 years old, Jean Le Cam has been there and done that. In 2004-05, the three-time Solitaire du Figaro Champion endured a long and arduous two-way drag race with eventual winner Vincent Riou only to finish in second place, less than 7 hours behind the winner. In the last Vendee Globe, Le Cam again sailed near the front of the fleet in third place aboard his yacht VM Matériaux before suffering the loss of his keel bulb, resulting in a capsize west of Cape Horn. Just like in 2004-05, Le Cam and Riou would cross paths again, this time as Riou stood by to render assistance. For the 2012 Vendee Globe, this three-time Solitaire du Figaro winner is back again, this time with a new sponsor, “Synerciel”, and a new boat, the former “Gitana Eighty” of Loick Peyron.

“Synerciel” has shown pace in the IMOCA class since her first launch. A 2007 Farr design, this sistership to the wildly successful Virbac- Paprec 2 was built in New Zealand and originally sailed by Loick Peyron as “Gitana Eigthy”. Champion of the 2007 Transat B to B, she was the first yacht to reach the equator in the 2008-09 Vendee Globe, eventually dismasting while battling for the lead with Seb Josse in the Southern Ocean. In 2010-11, Spaniards Pachi River and Antonio Piris sailed the Farr IMOCA 60 to a third place finish in the Barcelona World Race as “Renault”. The recipient of a new mast after Jean Le Cam’s acquisition, significant work has been done to lighten “Synerciel”, pulling an astounding 900kg of weight out of her. “Our biggest priority in preparing the boat for the Vendee was to make her more light weight and faster. She has a new mast, new boom and new keel. This has completely transformed Synerciel”, says Le Cam.

Ronnie's opinion: Jean Le Cam and “Synerciel” are a force to be reckoned with in this edition of the Vendee Globe. Le Cam is now in his 50’s, while the fleet continues to get younger and younger. “King’ Jean’s resume is nearly unirvaled and he has a fantastic boat, but Le Cam won’t be on pace with the V-P 3’s, Maitre Coq’s and MACIF’s of the fleet. Expect Le Cam to sail in the top 10 for the majority of the race, finishing just out of the top 5. If the Southern Ocean punishes the front runners, Le Cam could still reach the podium.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Virbac-Paprec 3" and skipper Jean-Pierre Dick

Jean-Pierre Dick is my favorite to win this year’s Vendee Globe. There, I figured i’d get that out of the way early, as it seems to be the thousand pound gorilla in the room when writing a pre-race preview of Jean-Pierre.... Riding a massive wave of momentum into the Vendee start, JP Dick has sailed into Les Sables with a thoroughly prepared boat that has literally won everything in sight over the course of the past two years. One of the most accomplished skippers in the fleet, Dick has won or finished on the podium of nearly every major race on the IMOCA calendar, save for one glaring omission: The Vendee Globe. Preparing to sail in this, his third Vendee Globe (6th 2004-05, dismasted while leading in 2008-09), the self-described “gentleman skipper” enters Les Sables d’Olonne as the most complete package of any skipper in the fleet.

JP Dick and his VPLP-designed Open 60 “Virbac-Paprec 3” are on fire. In her first race, Jean-Pierre sailed her to a solid 4th place finish as a shake down for the upcoming Barcelona World Race. Sailing around the world double-handed with Loick Peyron, V-P 3 was the class of the fleet, with boat speed on everybody, setting a new IMOCA 60 24 hour distance record along the way (506.33 nm). Stopping twice to repair problems (mainsheet traveler ripping out of deck, main sail batten car damage), the dynamic duo still managed to win by nearly a day, with MAPFRE (now Maitre Coq) finishing in second. Later in 2011, JP teamed up with Maitre Coq skipper Jeremie Beyou to win the double-handed Transat Jacques Vabre by an astounding 15 hours. Just for good measure, the sailor from Nice was named 2011 Yachtsman of the Year and won the first leg of the 2012 Europa Warm-Up and the very recent IMOCA race “Trophee Azimut”.

Virbac-Paprec 3 is one of the most thoroughly modern yachts in the fleet. Built in New Zealand and launched in the middle of 2010, she is an even more thoroughly evolved version of MACIF and Banque Pop and varies from them greatly. The benefactor of additional and independent research, V-P 3 also sports a classic-style Southern Spars rig with Southern’s carbon fiber standing rigging, while MACIF and Banque Pop both sport rotating wing masts with deck spreaders. One of just three boats in the fleet with curved dagger boards and weighing in at just 7,800 kg, V-P 3 is on the cutting edge of IMOCA design philosophy in every way. Check out this last bit of interesting info on V-P 3: In Sailing Anarchy’s exclusive interviews, Mr. Clean asked most of the skippers in the Vendee fleet which boat they would most like to have, and almost every single one said Virbac- Paprec 3.

Ronnie's opinion: Jean-Pierre Dick is a major force to be reckoned with. While there are more than a half dozen skippers who cold realistically win, JP Dick is the class of the fleet. Unless he falters or another skipper rises to the occasion to dethrone him, he is our top pick.

[MR.CLEAN]

Just 20 HOURS TO GO until the live broadcast begins for the start of the 2012 VENDEE GLOBE! Listen to me, Dee Caffari, and Clare Macnaughton on the microphone for 5 hours of action leading up to the start of the most compelling event in all of sailing.

It'll be here: http://www.dailymoti...om/video/xs4ndk

[Carboninit]

Good luck to all competitors. Stay safe and sail fast.

[Haji]

Ronnie's report on "Maitre Coq" and skipper Jeremie Beyou

Ronnie's opinion: Maitre Coq is a contender for the win. She is a proven boat and has a skipper whose career is peaking (2011 TJV win with JP Dick and 2011 Solitaire du Figaro overall win). Watch for Maitre Coq to sail in the top 5, and rise in the ranks when some of the newer boats begin to break.

This boat was REALLY tricked out by Iker & Xabi's team for the BWR, including Genasun batteries (same set still going strong). I think Ronnie is calling it well...while a touch off the pace of the newest boats, Maitre Coq is the class of the 08/09 Vendee, 2nd in the BWR, and Jeremie (while unknown to most of us Yankees) is a real force. Winning the Figaro is a big deal.

[roca]

By tomorrow night we'll both have our Form Guides up - ronnie and I are each picking our top 5 and our first 3 to break, plus an over/under on the finishing fleet size.

thanks for the covereage ! great job really.

I was going to ask you for favourites, now I see they are coming, but please, please just pick 3 ...5 favourites is too easy an politically correct 3 makes the thing interesting.

thanks enjoy
ciao

[mr_ryano]

Ronnie,

Can you guys pin your form guide, boat tours, and interviews into a separate closed thread? Might be easier to sift through and find during the race. Really great work, BTW

[ronnie_simpson]

good idea. clean does the admin stuff, i'll make sure he hears the idea.

roca, clean and i are each going to write our picks for places 1-5, first 3 to break, and sentimental favorites.

stay tuned!

[MR.CLEAN]

yep...we'll sort it out. 4 hour train ride to paris on sunday...should be alright

[Tucky]

Thanks for that- really nice work. I couldn't help but notice how many boats had "dismasted when leading the 2008-09 Vendee" in their resume, and that brought back the incredible drama of Desjoyeaux spotting the fleet a lead and then pouring the pressure on as boat after boat pressed for the lead and broke. What a great race that was, and I hope this year is as good or better. Especially good luck to all from a life and safety point of view. NASCAR fans put it this way- "love to see them crash, hate to see them hurt". I understand the crashes as people probe the speed vs. reliability issue, but I wish everyone a safe trip.

And I'll pick Safran- I've always loved that boat.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "Bureau Vallee" and skipper Louis Burton

Louis Burton is an inspiration. The likeable Parisian is the youngest skipper in the fleet, and also the least experienced by a healthy margin. At 27 years of age, the charismatic entrepreneur has managed to turn his dream of competing in the Vendee Globe into a realization, finding a corporate sponsor and creating a campaign in just under two years. A rookie in the IMOCA fleet, the “Bureau Vallee” skipper has actively sailed his Farr designed Open 60 to consistent finishes in two Trans-Atlantic races. Entering his first Vendee Globe, the approachable young skipper has been sporting an ear-to-ear grin since the village opened three weeks prior to the November 10 start. With a core group of friends and family members helping to prepare “Bureau Vallee” (ex Delta Dore), Louis Burton’s dream of sailing in the Vendee Globe is about to become a reality.

Louis’ shorthanded offshore sailing career began in a Class 40 yacht in 2010, and this is where he began his relationship with his sponsor “Bureau Vallee”, an office supply company. Sailing in the 2010 Route du Rhum, Burton sustained a mid-ocean collision with a trawler. Despite banging up the 40-foot monohull, Burton managed an impressive 20th place finish in an incredibly large fleet of 44 boats. One year later, in 2011, Louis and his sponsor acquired Jeremie Beyou’s old Delta Dore and began racing in the IMOCA class. Sailing with his brother Nelson in the 2011 Transat Jacques Vabre, the brothers Burton managed to sail in the top three in the fleet, which was decimated by rough conditions. Holding on for a credible seventh place finish, Louis remained consistent on the return voyage to Europe, again earning a seventh place finish in the singlehanded Transat B to B, which was won by fellow youngster Francois Gabart on “MACIF”.

“Bureau Vallee” is a Farr design, built by JMV Industries in France and launched in the second half of 2006. Sailing in her first Vendee Globe with Jeremie Beyou in the 2008-09 edition of the race, Beyou suffered mast problems and limped into Brazil with two broken spreaders, amongst several other issues. Since acquiring the Farr, Louis Burton and his team have thoroughly refit and updated the boat, optimizing it with a new triple-spreader classic style rig, a new lighter keel with a carbon keel fin and an entirely new inventory of sails, all with the goal of pulling precious kilos of weight out of the boat. Despite all of this, Burton still has one of the heaviest boats in the fleet, weighing just upwards of 9 metric tons, more than one and a half tons more than the lightest of yachts in the VPLP contingent. “My boat is very heavy compared to the newer, lighter VPLP boats”, Louis says, “but she is very strong. I know she can make this lap of the globe. She will take care of me. I have confidence that I can push the boat all the time”.

Ronnie’s opinion: Louis Burton is another one of my dark horse picks. His youth and inexperience will be both a blessing and a curse. He is incredibly enthusiastic about the race and the passion of seeing his dream become a reality, combined with his youthful exuberance will drive him to sail his boat like a man truly inspired. Does he have the pace of the new VPLP’s? No, absolutely not, but in a race where merely finishing can sometimes place you in the top half of the fleet, I expect big things out of Louis Burton. I am going out on a limb and saying that he finishes the race inside of the top 10.

[eggtimer]

Ronnie!

Fantastic reporting and write up of skippers, etc.! All of the coverage (reports, videos) by Anarchy crew is really good stuff...keep sending it!

Thank you.

[Terrorvision]

Who was asking about heads in the 60s? Here is a video of Mucky letting us know exactly how it works!



You want my address for the t-shirt?!

[EaglesDare]

Biodegradeable bag? Thought it was bucket and chuckit.

[ronnie_simpson]

Ronnie's report on "AKENA Verandas" and skipper Arnaud Boissieres


With a Vendée based sponsor in AKENA Verandas, 40 year old skipper Arnaud Boissieres is in many ways the home town favorite. Large banners can be seen hanging from bars, 2nd floor apartment windows and even the roof of a local marine chandlery. “Arnaud!” is everywhere in Les Sables d’Olonne, and for good reason. The always smiling, instantly recognizable sailor is nicknamed “Cali”, due to his laid back nature and personality, but don’t let that fool you: Arnaud Boissieres is a serious, tenacious yachtsman who is rapidly becoming a force in the IMOCA circuit. With a Farr designed sistership that earned a share of a podium position (explanation below) in the last edition of the Vendee Globe, Boissieres has a precision weapon with which to do battle in this Vendee Globe.

Arnaud Boissieres broke onto the French racing scene in 1999 when he sailed in the first of his 3 Mini Transat races. After dismasting, he sailed back to France to fix his boat and, incredibly, managed to complete the more than 4,000 nautical miles race. After the Mini, Arnaud cut his teeth on the Figaro circuit for another 3 years before making the jump to the IMOCA class. Sailing six transatlantic races in Open 60’s, Arnaud completed his first circumnavigation by sailing in the 2008-09 Vendee Globe race. Sailing non-stop around the world in 105 days, Boissieres finished a respectable seventh place, sandwiched in between a group of 4 Britons and 1 American.

Back for the Vendee Globe in 2012-13, Arbaud Boissieres and the AKENA Verandas team have come back with Vincent Riou’s old “PRB”, which earned a share of 3rd place in the last Vendee Globe Race. Turning around to rescue the capsized Jean Le Cam, one of Riou’s spreaders bumped the upturned yacht of Le Cam, damaging Riou’s rig. The following evening, “PRB” lost it’s rig and was later awarded a share of third place by the Vendee jury, since Riou had been sailing in third place when he turned around to rescue Le Cam. With the AKENA Verandas team purchasing the dismasted yacht in 2009, the first thing that they did was stick a classic-style rig in the boat and refit her for Arnuad to sail. A sistership to Michel Desjoyeaux’s “Foncia” (now Maitre Coq in this race...), “AKENA Verandas” has plenty of pace when placed in the right hands. With a pair of 7th place finishes in the most recent Route du Rhum and Transat Jacques Vabre races, Boissieres has yet to have his breakthrough race, leaving him hungry to strive for a podium in this Vendee.

Ronnie’s opinion: Arnuad Boissieres is a very experienced and accomplished sailor in this fleet of Open 60’s. He has a sistership to the defending Vendee champion, so he should be very much on the pace. With the level of competition and parity in this fleet, Arnaud will have to have a lot of things go his way to crack the top 5. Expect AKENA Verandas to sail in the top 10, but she will not be in the lead pack.

[MR.CLEAN]

Ronnie is rocking those reports, with hardly any whip cracking from me at all!

I'm going to dinner now and then have 4 hours or so of editing/exporting/uploading videos ahead of me. Maybe more. I'd like to have all 19 skipper interviews up before the start (Broissieres is #20, but was spending his last day ashore with his young son and is on camera with me at 830 tomorrow) and I'll try to post them all here. If any of you are bored and you notice them popping up, and feel like posting the youtube links here, it's much appreciated. You just have to post the "youtube.com/watch=38329fhf" link from YT and the forum automatically embeds it now.

[Speng]

Awesome job you guys! I am a bit late... My question, is celestial navigation , or how many skippers are profficient in celestial? Is there a requirement for sights? Thanks!

No there's not. This is not some whack as race like the Transpac... I reckon you could go for days in the Southern Ocean and not have conditions for taking a sight or have the boat stable enuff to lower the horizon or whatever it is you do with a sextant.

[Speng]

If you see Roland jourdain (Bilou), please get his interview, he is a fantastic sailor, lots of fun on interview, and it is very sad not to see him on the star tline this year

+1 Bilou is a riot even when he's speaking French and you don't know WTF he's saying. It would be awesome after the race maybe to have him and Mich Desj do a recap or something.

[CPJIII]

Thanks ronnie for the write ups...good job to you and clean keep up the good work and enjoy the start!

[ronnie_simpson]

If you see Roland jourdain (Bilou), please get his interview, he is a fantastic sailor, lots of fun on interview, and it is very sad not to see him on the star tline this year

+1 Bilou is a riot even when he's speaking French and you don't know WTF he's saying. It would be awesome after the race maybe to have him and Mich Desj do a recap or something.

we were gonna try to get him and Mich Desj, but just ran out of time. both guys just showed up. Bilou speaks good English too!!

bet on the fleet at regattabet.com...... think i might have to throw down couple hundred euro...... and i don't have the money to burn, but there's money to be made!

[MR.CLEAN]

[MR.CLEAN]

Just found out the press centre is closing down now - 10 PM. Meaning these videos are going to wait until tomorrow morning, or possibly just after the start. Apologies; frankly having been in the press room in Barcelona until 2 AM I am pretty fucking angry right now.

[FINS]

Just found out the press centre is closing down now - 10 PM. Meaning these videos are going to wait until tomorrow morning, or possibly just after the start. Apologies; frankly having been in the press room in Barcelona until 2 AM I am pretty fucking angry right now.

Go get a drink and relax, you have earned it.

[Haji]

Clean,

I am SO looking forward to watching/hearing you in the Vendee feed...then I got roped into doing English commentary for France 24. But only for a short time around the actual start, then I'll be back to you & SA!

Btw, while I'm at it I'll sneak in references to SA...;-)

[MR.CLEAN]

Just found out the press centre is closing down now - 10 PM. Meaning these videos are going to wait until tomorrow morning, or possibly just after the start. Apologies; frankly having been in the press room in Barcelona until 2 AM I am pretty fucking angry right now.

Go get a drink and relax, you have earned it.

Appreciate that FINS; can't do it though. Now in Chez Anarchie editing video; just 7 to go...then upload at 0730 at press center, than get Broissieres interview on the dock at 0830, then run over to the sound booth a km away and get miked up for the live feed. I am hearing now that we also have someone from SkySports or something, so there will be quite the crowd in the booth. I was thinking rather than being part of the crowd, I'd jump on the Cheminees guard RIB with nicola and the fun bunch and not miss one of the most emotional and intense scenes in all of sailing - over 300,000 people on one small stretch of canal side, but I just can't let the english language broadcast be all British; that's no better than the all french one. I have to add at least some international appeal to it or it just won't be the kind of production I think it could be.

There will be PLENTY of time for drinking tomorrow. Plus we have some really quality interviews coming up that you must see and I'll get them up tomorrow arvo. Sir Keith Mills for 20 minutes; a great, great interview. Bruce Schwab. Chris McMaster from Doyle on Alex T's sails. Joff Brown from Whitecap about being Dee's boat captain and on how to go about putting together an Open 60 campaign. Didn't get Bilou or Mich or Gautier or Josse or Parlier; gotta save something for the finish in 3 months!

[GnarlyItWas]

I have got to fucking work tomorrow !!!!.

Will I be able to watch it all when I get home ? Youtube ?? HELP.

How's the weather looking ?

[ronnie_simpson]

looks like it might start blowing 25-30 out of the northwest, so upwind to reaching, near the start. can't believe it actually starts in 12 hours..... people are already camping out by the canal walls and sleeping in cars, on the street, etc. god i love france.

[MR.CLEAN]

your guess is as good as mine

Ronnie and I have spent two weeks crawling around boats, talking to skippers, questioning the cognoscenti, drinking with shore crews, and researching the fleet. If we can’t put out some educated guesses out there for the 2012 Vendee Globe by now, we don’t deserve to be here. And of course we don’t agree, so we each put together our own pick sheet; for the top five finishers, for the first three to break, and our sentimental favorites. Be sure to go through the entire thread for Ronnie’s detailed analysis of each boat, video boat tours for nearly half the fleet, and words from every skipper’s mouth in our Sailing Anarchy ‘Innerview’ marathon.

Here’s Ronnie:

This is the most competitive, closely matched fleet in Vendee Globe history. And that’s not coming from me, a lowly “Vendee virgin”, that’s coming from experienced skippers in the fleet, industry insiders and legends of the game. There is more parity in terms of boat performance, skipper talent and level of preparation than the race has ever seen before. With a 20-boat fleet where ten skippers could realistically win this race, there is truly no clear favorite. So when Clean told me a few days ago that I would need to write a front page piece with my top 5 picks, first 3 to break and my sentimental favorites, I almost had a heart attack. This is my disclaimer: This is the Vendee Globe and there’s no way I can guess when a mast is going to fall down, or when a large whale will unknowingly swim in front of a 60-foot racing yacht sailing at upwards of 30 knots of boat speed, but what the hell this is Sailing Anarchy and Clean told me to write it, so here goes!

1st place: Jean Pierre Dick/ Virbac-Paprec 3 - With a hot VPLP/ Verdier designed boat, a brick shit house of a rig that shouldn’t fall down and a sailor who is peaking in his career, this is JP Dick’s time. Winner of the last two Barcelona World Race’s, the last Transat Jacques Vabre and current holder of the 24-hour distance record for IMOCA 60’s, Jean Pierre is on fire right now. Virbac-Paprec 3 is massively funded, thoroughly prepped and it would be a nice swan song for Dick to finally win a Vendee before he leaves the class and starts racing MOD 70’s.

2nd place: Alex Thomson/ HUGO BOSS- With a history of bad luck and misfortune, even the blind squirrel has to find a nut eventually, right? The fact that my so-called “blind squirrel” is one of the best sailors on the planet and is sailing on Bilou’s old boat only makes things that much more enticing. When Alex hasn’t broken, he has shown great pace in his career, no matter what the boat. Alex has gelled with his boat, recently smashed the Singlehanded monohull Trans-Atlantic record and has a sponsor that has enabled him to prep a boat and run a campaign in the best fashion. This is AT’s year.

3rd place: Jeremie Beyou/ Maitre Coq- Yep, I went there. This is my dark horse of the fleet, i’m picking a sailor that many in the US have never even heard of to finish on the podium. In 2011 alone, the 36 year old won his second Solitaire du Figaro and then teamed up with JP Dick to crush the fleet in the Transat Jacques Vabre. It doesn’t hurt that he is sailing on a slightly optimized version of the boat that won the Vendee Globe in 2008-09 (Foncia) and then finished second to “Virbac-Paprec 3” in the Barcelona World Race last year (MAPFRE).

4th place: Marc Guillermot/ Safran - Third place finisher in the last Vendee Globe, Marc seems to finish top 5 in almost everything he enters. Key word in that sentence being “finish”. With a keel and mast designed by his sponsor “Safran” who designs stuff for the aerospace and defense industry, I have confidence that the 53 year old will sail the boat smart and fast and make it back to Les Sables d’Olonne in one piece in under 90 days. Just like JP Dick, he has a super fast VPLP design with a stout rig and good funding and preparation. Add in Guillermot’s experience, maturity and sailing talent and that’s a recipe for success in my book.

5th place: Bernard Stamm/ Cheminees Poujoulat- My other dark horse. Juan K has never designed an IMOCA 60 with a winning record, but as everyone knows, he’s the master of fast Volvo 70s. After enough trial and error, I think Jaun has got it right and that the experienced Swiss skipper will manage to keep the boat in one piece and show good speed in the Southern Ocean. With climate change and ice limits that seem to move further and further north every year, the Vendee fleet will experience more upwind conditions and close to beam reaching conditions than in years past. This will favor the brutish Juan K boat and the tenacious Stamm.

Top 3 to break

Notice a common theme here.... Sure, the VPLP’s have great speed and top results but all of the obsessing over light weight is going to prove problematic in the treacherous Southern Ocean. One good gale and these boys are back to the shed.

Vincent Riou/ PRB: Have you seen this boat up close and personal? I have and i’ll tell you right now that this is the lightest, most extreme and probably most fragile boat in the fleet. Vincent claimed in our interview that “PRB” weighs in at “under 7 tons”. If that is true, then it makes him not just a bit lighter, but several hundred kilos lighter than any other IMOCA in the fleet. If I had to pick one of these boats to do another Singlehanded Transpac in, this would probably be my pick, but a month in the Southern Ocean and then a rendezvous with Cape Horn? Nah-ah.

Banque Populaire/ Armel Le Cleac’h: Bad news for the 2nd place finisher of the last Vendee. No doubt one of the most talented sailors in the fleet, if not on the planet. And his VPLP/ Verdier designed Open 60 has shown unbelievable speed and results, but she’s also seriously been broken, and not too long ago. Her first introduction to the Southern Ocean resulted in the top third of the mast breaking, while leading the Barcelona World Race with Michel Desjoyeaux and Francois Gabart aboard. In 2011, the boat cracked its hull and deck and while they were repaired nicely, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the boat keeps breaking.

Francois Gabart/ MACIF- I can’t get over the striking similarities between Armel on “Banque Pop” and Francois on “MACIF”. At 29, Francois is the young prodigy of this fleet, currently leading the IMOCA season points standings by a scant 3 points over sistership “Banque Pop”. Both boats are undeniably fast and the skippers arguably the two greatest talents in the shorthanded offshore sailing world at the moment, but when I check out these boats, the words “reliable’ and “stout” aren’t the first two to come to mind.

Sentimental Favorites:

Alessandro di Benedetto/ Team Plastique: The funniest interview that we had, Alessandro is an absolute legend in my mind. After sailing several beach cats solo across oceans, including a 20-footer from Yokohama to my beloved San Francisco, the dude sailed a 21-foot Mini Transat solo non-stop around the world. He dropped the rig before Cape Horn and instead of heading for port or popping his EPIRB, he set a jury-rig and sailed back to Les Sables d’Olonne. ‘Nuff said.

Zbigniew “Gutek” Gutkowski/ Energa: Gutek may not win the Vendee Globe, but he’ll win the party. The dude is hilarious, he’s from an obscure place like Poland and he and his crew have been so hospitable to me while i’ve been in France that I will rock the Gutek fan club all the way around. He gave me my first ride on an Open 60, threw back a few in the pub and showed me nothing but love and friendship in Les Sables. Fair winds and following seas, friend.

Sam Davies/ Saveol- Sam, if you read this, I think I love you. I know you’re happy with Romain, but if things go south.... I’m just sayin’.....

In all seriousness, this race is going to be epic. It’s been a hell of a lot of fun bringing the pre-race to your desktop from Les Sables. Follow the race all the way ‘round on SA’s front page and in the forums.

If you want to bet on the Vendee Globe, check out www.regattabet.com. I don’t know what the oddsmakers were smoking, but there’s some money to be made on this race.

-Ronnie Simpson


And here’s how I see it will play out:

Like Ronnie, I think the parity among much of this deep fleet is going to be a major story in this race; I just don’t see any runaway winners. That being said, there’s a good chance that the very competitiveness of especially all the new ultra-light VPLP/Verdier boats may be their undoing; I can very easily see the Macif/Banq Pop/Paprec-Virbac trio pushing one another to the breaking point, while Safran and PRB are just so light and extreme that something’s got to give. When that happens, the most versatile performer with the most reliable boat brings it home. Add to that the latest boats’ documented difference in slamming loads and you have more skipper fatigue and the resulting bad decisionmaking…

1st place: Alex Thomson/Hugo Boss – There is something in Alex Thomson’s eyes that screams “Winner” to me right now. Maybe it’s having a young child whose health is something of a miracle, or maybe it’s the certain knowledge that he will be looking to pass the torch soon, but Alex seems loose and comfortable and his Farr-designed, JuanK-massaged boat (ex-Veolia) can handle the speed that he’s shown so many times. His shore crew are efficient and talented, his budget has got to be huge, and he’s got a Richard Bouzaid-designed set of Doyle sails (the only Doyles in the fleet) that, according to crew, are ‘seriously fucking fast.” If Doyle made them strong enough to get around without issues, I think Alex might well squeak out a victory over the next guy. It’s a risky call, but I’m making it anyway.

2nd place: Jeremie Beyou/Maitre Coq – I’m going for the one-design guy in the boat that won in 2008/9. Plus Michel Desjoyeux-created boats have won the last four Vendee Globes, and this was Mich’s record setting Foncia from the last race. Jeremie just inked a long term deal with Maitre Coq, which means he’s both very grateful for their support right now and relieved of the pressure of worrying about getting new sponsors when the race is over. It’s a good combination to make a great result with an extremely talented guy, and his boat is the epitome of reliability.

3rd place: Kito De Pavant/Groupe Bel - If anyone’s due for a decent finish in a RTW race, it’s the incredibly popular Kito. Who doesn’t love Laughing Cow cheese? Seriously though, Kito has got more miles in his boat than anyone else in theirs, and the older, wiser De Pavant might just get on the breaks sooner than some of the whippersnappers, saving wear and tear on his boat and keeping him fast all the way to the end.

4th place: JP Dick/Paprec Virbac 3 – I’m really looking deep into the crystal ball for this one, because JP Dick has no business being in fourth unless his boat breaks in some serious but not life threatening way, he fixes it, and then storms back to pick up the guys that passed him. Unlike the Barcelona World Race there are no stopovers; broken mast cars and a broken traveler like JPD suffered last BWR would probably be fatal on a Vendee Vendee Globe, or at least bad enough to drop you from 1st to 4^th. JP is certainly motivated to win, especially with his upcoming move to the MOD likely to take up all his time for the next few years. But I’m still not convinced that his boat will be reliable from stem to stern.

5th place: Bernard Stamm/ Cheminees Poujoulat – Holy crap: Ronnie and I agree on something! Stamm and his ride are a solid bet on paper; he has the speed, the know-how, and a boat that can charge when the conditions are right. He’s also done a lot to rectify some of his boat’s slower points of sail. Remember how Groupama carefully fixed the gaps in their performance as the Volvo went on, snatching victory up at the end? Bernard’s been doing that kind of work on his JuanK boat for a while, and I think he may surprise everyone with the kind of runs he puts together.



First To Break

As I wrote above, I think we are going to see some serious carnage amongst some of the favorites as a result of their parity; their proximity and speed will have them pushing harder than their boats can handle, with discomfort and fatigue playing a major role. But there’s another group that might have issues; the noobs.

Gutek/Energa: The towering Pole is affable and always has a smile on his face; even when a wind generator puts a 6-inch gash into his head. But that doesn’t mean he’s truly ready for the ex-Hugo Boss Finot-Conq boat, a powerful beast that he just picked up a few months ago. Gutek went around the world in an Open 60 that barely looks like one compared to the newer boats, and this is a whole different kettle of kapuśniak. Look for Gutek to bow out before Good Hope.

Francois Gabard/Macif -- I don’t know why, but the Golden Boy just has too much going for him to do well. A gorgeous partner and a new baby, a sweet sponsorship deal, and a long and illustrious career await him, but first, some heartache is likely to be ahead. And in his first solo round-the-world race, he’ll get it. Macif is probably the fastest or second-fastest boat in the fleet and Gabard has a wisdom that belies his age, but I just don’t have confidence in the boat, and the early stages are going to see some hard pushing; will it be up to the conditions? I guess ‘no’.

Marc Guillemot/Safran – As cool as Guillemot’s partnership is with military research and manufacturer Safran, there’s just something about their partnership that makes me uneasy. Mixing different standards (the sailors/designers vs corporate scientists) can create problems that don’t show themselves until its too late, and Guillemot could bow out early with a rig or structure failure.

Sentimental Favorites:

Sam Davies/ Saveol- Yeah, like that one was tough.

Alessandro di Benedetto/ Team Plastique -- The guy is a legend, and he has the best-looking PR girls. If he gets in 2 weeks after the winners it will be a huge win for him, and I’m looking forward to following his special brand of crazy for 3 and a half months.

Bubi Senso/Acciona 100% Ecopowered – The sweetest man you could imagine, a crusader for the environment, the most enjoyable technical crew and media staff, and a boat designed to showcase the state of the art in non-fossil fuel-based power generation. What’s not to love? We just wish he was bringing his dog Botox with him.

[pogen]

Could someone post or re-post the link to the Alessandro di Benedetto innerview? I've not been able to find it.

T - 7 hours!

[MR.CLEAN]

Alessandro won't be up for another few minutes...the last 6 are uploading now

So strange to walk along 3 KM of people, standing 5 deep, hours and hours before the boats leave. Crepes sold from makeshift shops in the crown, and an electric mood mixes with the drooly, dreamy aroma of croissant chocolat.

Like nothing I have ever experienced. Put this one on your lists

[MR.CLEAN]

A quick shout-out to our friends at Doyle (www.doylesails.co.nz), LINE HONORS Yacht Racing Outfitters (www.linehonors.com), Whitecap Limited (www.whitecapltd.com), and Bruce Schwab Energy Systems/Genasun (www.genasun.com) for making this all work. Now on to the videos!

Dominique Wavre; SA's his first read every morning. Listen.

http://youtu.be/thP-rC_LMqo

Vincent Riou

http://youtu.be/zTSeE67X4Ow

Armel Le Cleac'h

http://youtu.be/NjTjGgP3T80

From Bruce Schwab, one minute ago:

I arrived on the channel (Olonna side) at 0630 to meet my friends Sandrine & Laurence, the crowd is already huge! They saved me a spot and will try to keep it if I go to the pontoon (where it is impossible to get an access pass unless you are on a boat crew, or have done the race before...heh heh). But that will be rather impossible. It is crazy how many people are here.

Where will they all go to the toilet? I see no porta-johns anywhere?

The first boat leaves the harbor at 0930, one at a time they will be cheered by this rabid masses...I remember what it was like heading out the channel on OceanPlanet eight years ago!

There was just a lot of cheering for a coast guard boat heading out...

The people here are stunned that I'm a former Vendee finisher and that I'm here, on the channel. One asked "why are you not on the pontoon?!" When I explained that my friends were here on the channel he was impressed..."ah, you are a good man!"

It is now 0720, the sky is getting light. We are across the channel from a great castle that is both a landmark and a lighthouse. I think it's called the Arundel Tower.

At noon I need to get to the other side of the harbor/channel as I'll be doing English commentary on the France TV/online network "France 24". My friend Alan Block of Sailing Anarchy is doing the English commentary for the official Vendee Globe press feed, a very cool gig. Probably more people will be watching the start of this race than watch the Super Bowl. Seriously, think about that...

Out for now, more later...

B

Alessandro Di B!

http://youtu.be/ZDSRDqQ3iVw

Tanguy

http://youtu.be/Ee0KxkpnNEE

Marc Guillemot

http://youtu.be/UyJ1knXco0c

Attached Files

•  Vendee Globe-Stamp2-01.png   328.1K   4 downloads
•  Bruce logo for Mer.png   74.44K   2 downloads
•  DOYLE-01.png   30.87K   0 downloads
•  LineHonorsLogo.png   22.31K   0 downloads
•  whitecap-WHITEBGRD-01.png   10.93K   0 downloads

[MR.CLEAN]

Sheeeyit...I just figured out a new toy on Youtube!

Bertrand De Broc and Arnaud Broissieres are the last ones...that'll have to wait but I figure 18 x 12 minutes is plenty of watching for y'all.

[forss]

Also youtube does the live stream

[MR.CLEAN]

Here's the playlist.



http://www.youtube.c...Mcl6R5DOx_STGNV

[thetruth]

Just watched the interview with Dee etc. Who the fuck is that microphone grabbing arrogant prick from HB? Sums up the campaign though. A shit load of money spent on a guy that will not either win or finish. Pure and utter arrogance

[thetruth]

If that was an interview on the current state and options for sponsorship then shit I must have missed that part. Hugo Boss should be embarrassed by Irish Andi? "well yeah we are a German company but hey?" SA's newest wanker of all time

[forss]

its live!!
youtube livestream

[MR.CLEAN]

in the booth, waiting for the pommies to shut up

in the booth, waiting for the pommies to shut up

[Terrorvision]

Clean- great work on the live broadcast.

The boats looked very high in the water as they docked-out, the knuckles were a good couple of inches out of the water. I would have thought that they would have been lower with all the kit and provisions in there, even with the water ballast tanks empty.

[MR.CLEAN]

howzzat?

[onimod]

howzzat?

very good sir

[the paradox of thrift]

Loving it. Cheers fellas.

[ronnie_simpson]

Clean is absolutley killing it on the broadcast. the dude has some skills.

walked the docks this morning to take photos and send off several skippers. Just rode out through the channel with the Acciona rib, right next to Bubi and Acciona. pics and video to come soon

[ronnie_simpson]

The Acciona team hard at work right up until departure. Boat captain Tim Hardy and Spanish offshore legend Pachi Rivero

Javier "Bubi" Sanso and child

Bubi kissing his wife

Bubi waving in the channel

Attached Files

•  Acciona Team hard at wrok.jpg   153.4K   20 downloads
•  Bubi and child.jpg   85.09K   28 downloads
•  Bubi kissing wife.jpg   127.22K   27 downloads
•  Bubi waving in channel.jpg   186.98K   19 downloads

[FAiRaWAY]

cheers from France.
never thought that one day, I would prefer watching english broadcaster than the french one for Vendée Globe...

you are doing a great great job...
thank you so much SA, sincerely

[ronnie_simpson]

The crowd on the dock, 5 hours before the start. This is just press, team personnel and friends and family. And there's still more than a thousand people on the dock!

MACIF skipper Francois Gabart waving to his adoring fans

Gutek's main going up on Energa

Jeremie Beyou shoutng to a friend on the dock

Louis Burton and his child

mains getting ready to hhoist on the dock

Marc Guillermot, skipper of Sarfran

Attached Files

•  crowd morning of start on dock.jpg   122.92K   5 downloads
•  Francois waving.jpg   109.52K   8 downloads
•  Gutek main going up.jpg   114.27K   10 downloads
•  Jeremie shouting.jpg   101.6K   6 downloads
•  Louis Burton and child.jpg   68.06K   3 downloads
•  mains going up morning of start.jpg   136.49K   4 downloads
•  marc guillermot day of start.jpg   66.01K   3 downloads

[Haji]

I'm now in the media center, watching the live stream on the monitors here...yes, Clean is rockin!!

Here is a report from earlier this morning:
I arrived on the channel (Olonna side) at 0630 to meet my friends Sandrine & Laurence, the crowd is already huge! They saved me a spot and will try to keep it if I go to the pontoon (where it is impossible to get an access pass unless you are on a boat crew, approved press...or have done the race before...heh heh). But that will be rather impossible. It is crazy how many people are here.

Where will they all go to the toilet? I see no porta-johns anywhere?

The first boat leaves the harbor at 0930, one at a time they will be cheered by this rabid masses...I remember what it was like heading out the channel on OceanPlanet eight years ago!

There was just a lot of cheering for a coast guard boat heading out...

The people here are stunned that I'm a former Vendee finisher and that I'm here, on the quai/channel. One asked "why are you not on the pontoon?!" When I explained that my friends were here, on the channel he was impressed..."ah, you are a good man!"

It is now 0720, the sky is getting light. We are across the channel from a great castle that is both a landmark and a lighthouse. I think it's called the Arundel Tower.

At noon I need to get to the other side of the harbor/channel as I'll be doing English commentary on the France TV/online network "France 24". Our friend Alan Block of Sailing Anarchy is doing the English commentary for the official Vendee Globe press feed, a very cool gig. I would actually prefer to watch that than do the France 24 gig...;-)

Probably more people will be watching the start of this race than watch the Super Bowl. Seriously, think about that...

Out for now, more later...

B

Attached Files

•  CIMG0066m.jpg   158.12K   2 downloads

[alibee]

Fantastic coverage all round, huge thanks to those making it happen.

[ronnie_simpson]

if you guys aren't watching the live english feed, then check it out!!! Clean is killing it!!!!!

http://www.dailymoti...departure_sport

[ronnie_simpson]

i know im a bit biased but this is absolutely incredible coverage that clean is helping provide on the english language feed. this is the greatest spectacle in sport. i have some video rendering and then i will upload it, of following Acciona through the channel in the team rib. words can not describe the drama and energy of 300,000+ rabid fans screaming 'bubi'!!!!!!!!!! at the top of their lungs.

video to come soon

[mad]

Just watched the interview with Dee etc. Who the fuck is that microphone grabbing arrogant prick from HB? Sums up the campaign though. A shit load of money spent on a guy that will not either win or finish. Pure and utter arrogance

got a link ?

[ronnie_simpson]

Just watched the interview with Dee etc. Who the fuck is that microphone grabbing arrogant prick from HB? Sums up the campaign though. A shit load of money spent on a guy that will not either win or finish. Pure and utter arrogance

are you referring to the talk show we did with Dee, Bruce Schwab, etc?

That "microphone grabbing arrogant prick" is named Stewart Hosford. And he is far from arrogant and definitely not a prick. He is actually a great guy and if there's a reason that he was grabbing the mic, it's because he has had 10x the success in handling sponorship than everyone else in that room combined, and he has some great knowledge and insight to share. Don't know what he said that offended you, but Stewart is truly one of the good guys and safe to say that you and I don't see the Hugo Boss team in the same light. Having met and hung out with pretty much everyone on HB's PR staff, marketing staff, shore crew and skipper Alex Thomson over the last two weeks, I think the HB team is an absoulutey top notch group of men and women. Alex will be one to watch in this race..... Clean and I just put our pics on the front page. Clean picks Alex to win and I pick him to get second. I'm sure we'll both be wrong to some degree, but after meeting and touring with every team, we both walked away thinking HB has a winner this year.

And by the way, Alex is one of the coolest guys you will ever ever ever meet. He is truly special. He's had a string of shit luck, but if you knew him like the HB team knows him, you'd stick with him too

[LeoV]

Ronny, ignore the truth, he is bashing AT for years. He is on many ignore lists on this forum..

And thanks for all your work, as a guy following the Vendee from its humble beginning, good job. ( only a few mistakes insiders only will notice, not relevant at all )
Knowing the atmosphere you have to work in, the output is great.

[ronnie_simpson]

Mostly raw video of riding in the Acciona RIB down the infamous canal with 300,000 adoring fans cheering on the skippers.

[bombarie]

Clean, Ronnie -- I salute you for all the brilliant interviews and inside videos. You are changing the history of sport coverage media as you go along. F%cking fantastic. Ace.

[Cyrille Hydrogene]

Bad luck for Bertrand de Broc. He hit a wooden pile on the way out from Les Sables and needs to come back and repair a hole in the hull.

[forss]

INFO: Bertrand de Broc is coming back because his boat Votre Nom autour du Monde has a hole in her hull!



IMOCA



Bertrand de Broc à été percuté par un bateau spectateur. Il rentre au port.
Bertrand de Broc was struck by a spectator boat. He returned to the port. (Translated by Bing)

[forss]

at least 5 guys over the line

safran leading after the start

[Cyrille Hydrogene]

Macif, PRB, Energa, Groupe Bel and Banque Pop were over the line! Quite aggressive start for a RTW race!

[forss]

Energa have shore crew onboard.
Probably coming to port also.

Edit: i think false information, sorry guys.

[Cyrille Hydrogene]

Energa have shore crew onboard.
Probably coming to port also.

Anyone knows why?

[Potter]

I think you guys are looking at footage of the old energa, also out on the water and with the same branding.

[Merde2]

Great commentary! Any chance Clean can do voice over for the AC?

[Cyrille Hydrogene]

I think you guys are looking at footage of the old energa, also out on the water and with the same branding.

That would make sense! thanks!

[Cyrille Hydrogene]

french TV channel Itele saying Gutek coming back to les Sables ...

[STYACHT]

Great commentary! Any chance Clean can do voice over for the AC?

If Mitch Booth got sacked, you think they are going to hire Alan? Over Jobco's ... nevermind, he's a survivor.

[ronnie_simpson]

french TV channel Itele saying Gutek coming back to les Sables ...

oh no! wtf happened?

[Cyrille Hydrogene]

french TV channel Itele saying Gutek coming back to les Sables ...

While whowing images of his old, POL 2 60 footer!

[Laurent]

INFO: Bertrand de Broc is coming back because his boat Votre Nom autour du Monde has a hole in her hull!



IMOCA



Bertrand de Broc à été percuté par un bateau spectateur. Il rentre au port.
Bertrand de Broc was struck by a spectator boat. He returned to the port. (Translated by Bing)

From the vendee globe web site news link, it seems that it was a support boat from his own team...

[Jonathan Green]

Loved the start - thanks for feed and all the pre-race coverage. You guys did a fantastic job!

[Cyrille Hydrogene]

french TV channel Itele saying Gutek coming back to les Sables ...

oh no! wtf happened?

Don't worry, Gutek is still racing, iTele made the same mistake I did, confusing POL53 with POL2.

[richie]

OK...so where is the live tracking?

[spectator]

I just watched the live feed of the VG start and was wondering why I had to listen to a totally clueless american commentating with Dee, finally realizing it was no other than SA's Mr. Clean.

SA always rips on Gary Jobson and other commentators for being bad, some times rightly so but Mr. Clean is so much better when the volume is turned OFF, he's just static and non informed.

Sorry SA to rip on you but Scott if you want to play in the big international media of world sailing you should at least send a guy who on knows a thing or two about high level racing and not some PHRF rail meat dude who's best position is laughing at other peoples jokes and asking questions standing by the beer keg.

It doesn't look too good when SA is ripping on other commentators when your own commentator (Mr. Clean) doesn't know much about racing.

Just calling out a spade, a spade or do I have it wrong?


PS: Safran killed the start and a big shout out to LeoV, I miss your website and your updates in (mini) solo sailing and a big thank you to Ronnie; you have done some very nice write up's, cheers.

[ronnie_simpson]

french TV channel Itele saying Gutek coming back to les Sables ...

oh no! wtf happened?

Don't worry, Gutek is still racing, iTele made the same mistake I did, confusing POL53 with POL2.

ok, thanks bro, my heart attack just stopped

[forss]

Safran Sailing Team

La solidarité entre marins est toujours là : Alexandre et Erwan du Safran Sailing Team sont sur le ponton pour aider Bertrand de Broc !!
The solidarity among the sailors is still there: Alexander and Erwan Safran Sailing Team are on the pontoon to help Bertrand de Broc! (Translated by Bing)

that is what i love about sailing.

also: http://www.vendeeglo...tres-grave.html
"There's a competitor who sent me an SMS, Marc Guillemot. He told me:'' A day on 90 days, it is not very serious. Do not be discouraged. '' It was really nice of him. '"

[richie]

french TV channel Itele saying Gutek coming back to les Sables ...

oh no! wtf happened?

Don't worry, Gutek is still racing, iTele made the same mistake I did, confusing POL53 with POL2.

ok, thanks bro, my heart attack just stopped

..he was a bit 'early' at the start...now has some catching up to do...

[gregw]

The live feed says daily motion can't connect. The tracker is showing blank. The rankings say they have not started. TOTAL WASTED OPPORTUNITY!!! So glad I stayed up to watch nothing!

[Haji]

I just watched the live feed of the VG start and was wondering why I had to listen to a totally clueless american commentating with Dee, finally realizing it was no other than SA's Mr. Clean.

SA always rips on Gary Jobson and other commentators for being bad, some times rightly so but Mr. Clean is so much better when the volume is turned OFF, he's just static and non informed.

Sorry SA to rip on you but Scott if you want to play in the big international media of world sailing you should at least send a guy who on knows a thing or two about high level racing and not some PHRF rail meat dude who's best position is laughing at other peoples jokes and asking questions standing by the beer keg.

It doesn't look too good when SA is ripping on other commentators when your own commentator (Mr. Clean) doesn't know much about racing.

Just calling out a spade, a spade or do I have it wrong?

Speaking for myself...the last thing I want to hear is some Grand Prix dude in a sportcoat talking about how the only REAL racing is AC, the Olympics, and the Volvo, etc. and that the SH crowd is just a bunch of adventure freaks. Ok, so it may be somewhat true, but I don't care. Not to rip on Jobson but I just don't see him being able to fit in here. Clean is doing it the SA way, and I think it's working.

[richie]

The tacker is on!!...interesting,it shows "Safran"last ??

[MR.CLEAN]

Crashed into his own RIB

INFO: Bertrand de Broc is coming back because his boat Votre Nom autour du Monde has a hole in her hull!



IMOCA



Bertrand de Broc à été percuté par un bateau spectateur. Il rentre au port.
Bertrand de Broc was struck by a spectator boat. He returned to the port. (Translated by Bing)

[MR.CLEAN]

Loved the start - thanks for feed and all the pre-race coverage. You guys did a fantastic job!

Thanks a ton. I was a bit bummed to have missed the on-water stuff, but the chance to commentate something so special with Dee was absolutely perfect. I feel very lucky and glad so many enjoyed it.

[richie]

I just watched the live feed of the VG start and was wondering why I had to listen to a totally clueless american commentating with Dee, finally realizing it was no other than SA's Mr. Clean.

SA always rips on Gary Jobson and other commentators for being bad, some times rightly so but Mr. Clean is so much better when the volume is turned OFF, he's just static and non informed.

Sorry SA to rip on you but Scott if you want to play in the big international media of world sailing you should at least send a guy who on knows a thing or two about high level racing and not some PHRF rail meat dude who's best position is laughing at other peoples jokes and asking questions standing by the beer keg.

It doesn't look too good when SA is ripping on other commentators when your own commentator (Mr. Clean) doesn't know much about racing.

Just calling out a spade, a spade or do I have it wrong?

Speaking for myself...the last thing I want to hear is some Grand Prix dude in a sportcoat talking about how the only REAL racing is AC, the Olympics, and the Volvo, etc. and that the SH crowd is just a bunch of adventure freaks. Ok, so it may be somewhat true, but I don't care. Not to rip on Jobson but I just don't see him being able to fit in here. Clean is doing it the SA way, and I think it's working.

...at least we know about his crash on SamD

[Francis Vaughan]

Just calling out a spade, a spade or do I have it wrong?

Would you like to guess? I was impressed, being pretty new to SA, I didn't know much about the coverage the guys have done before. Clean was doing a very good job of throwing the right questions at the right time to get answers that help ordinary folk watching understand what is going on. It is an art. Of course he knows the answers to the questions before he asks them. The point is to build a commentary, and to pick the questions to get the flow working, and to get answers at a level that is right for the viewers.

My only complaints about the coverage so far is that Clean needs to be more aware of where his mic is pointing, and Ronnie needs a better camera, one with proper low light capability. Both things to think about for the next time. But if this is the SA way of doing things, I am all for it. It makes a mockery of the corporatised and usually clueless coverage we get from the mainstream.

[MR.CLEAN]

Reposting the replay of the start from above with start time improvement.

http://youtu.be/QvKhslDFOyk?t=46s

[forss]

small hole

[GybeSet®]

whadyaknow?

BUBI is in the lead & powering away from the pack

has he made his run too early ?

http://vendee-globe-...uivez-la-course