Vendee Globe 2012

[bclovisp]

So, we're all busy watching the VOR, but let's keep some energy for the upcoming Vendee Globe.

It will start on November 10th, 2012, from les Sables d'Olonne.

18 skippers are registered so far, including Sam Davies, Jeremie Beyou and Jean Le Cam, who finally found sponsors!

Official website here: Vendee site



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

This is the official thread for all those who can't wait!

 

[Greenflash]

sweet, an actual ocean race.

 

[Alysun]

sweet, an actual ocean race.

With no stealth zones, no cargos etc... what's not to like?

 

[Greenflash]

sweet, an actual ocean race.

With no stealth zones, no cargos etc... what's not to like?

BAHA! yeah and doldrums only twice! not like some other race we know I wonder if they also manage to post mildly interesting videos with commentators that don't have speech impediments...

 

[Tunnel Rat]

This is one of the best races in the world, definitely the most complete test of a sailor.

The skippers from the website:

Jérémie Beyou - Maître CoQ

Arnaud Boissières - Akena Vérandas

Samantha Davies - Savéol

Kito de Pavan -Groupe Bel

Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty - ?

Alessandro Di Benedetto - Team Plastique

Jean-Pierre Dick - Virbac-Paprec 3

François Gabart - Macif

Mike Golding - Gamesa

Marc Guillemot - Safran

Jean Le Cam - SynerCiel

Armel Le Cléac´h - Banque Populaire

Vincent Riou - PRB

Javier Sansó - Acciona

Bernard Stamm - Cheminées Poujoulat

Alex Thomson - Hugo Boss

Liz Wardley - ?

Dominique Wavre - Mirabaud

18signed up so far - not a bad total.

My favourites will be Sam Davies after her fantastic logs from the last race and Alessandro Di Benedetto because of his phenomenal seamanship to complete his circumnavigation on the 6.50 after being dismasted just over half way round. I'm not sure either will win, but I will be following them.

I wish all of them a safe and successful voyage.

 

[Alysun]

I reckon JP Dick is favorite to win

 

[Wolkenzug]

I really think about going to Les Sables for the start.

 

[JL92S]

Entry has closed now, I'm supporting alex thomson, just putting it out there

 

[LeoV]

I have to support Maitre Coq, and great this race will be up again.

 

[bclovisp]

I like Kito, but does he still have the hunger?

Gabart definitely has it, and he has the boat... but he doesn't have the experience.

I will also support Benedetto and Davies, for the same reasons as Tunnel Rat...

But they have very small chances compared to Dick!

In any case, whoever the winner may be, it will be an accomplished sailor, an dthat's the most important...

C.

 

[Tom O'Keefe]

Michel Desjoyeaux seems to be missing from the list. I thought he was currently focused on his Open 60? Is he doing MOD 70's instead?

 

[MSafiri]

Michel Desjoyeaux seems to be missing from the list. I thought he was currently focused on his Open 60? Is he doing MOD 70's instead?

MicDes concentrates on Mod 70, giving a chance to JPD or Stamm, though I would like to see Alessandro 1st!

 

[Icedtea]

Entry has closed now, I'm supporting alex thomson, just putting it out there

Why?

 

[Hydrogene]

If Stamm can keep his new Cheminee in one piece, he'll be one a very strong competitor, along with JPD.

But we'll also have to keep a good eye on the younger generation, showing great promise, with both Gabart and Le Cleac'h.

 

[Aal]

I really hope that Stamm will finaly finish a Vendee Globe. He has earned it, and he had quite a bit if bad luck so far.

I also hope that Wardley gets her program together. I remember here videos from the Figaro a few years back. She did a good job back then telling her story.

 

[Alysun]

Alex Thomson to do a keel walk in the Southern Ocean?

 

[jb5]

Bernard Stamm is my pick to win. He really deserves it.

 

[incahoots]

How do they possibly top the last edition starting in gale force winds. I was watching every night those first two weeks. Nascar rules apply. Way better than the volvo

 

[Zac]

The video gives me chills.