A lively night (almost) without a hitch
After two days as packed as a reef in the mainsail, all the boats have now rounded the great western horn. The whole fleet is heading home!
Still in the lead, V5 is expected to arrive this evening. The exact arrival time will be shared on our social media this afternoon. Behind them, the battle remains fierce between the four New Caledonian monohulls: Young Guns, Poulpito – MLS – FCD, Guilty – Speed Marine – Epureau, and BNC – My::Net.
After leading the way throughout the downwind leg, Young Guns is going through a more challenging phase. Meanwhile, the crew of BNC – My::Net shared their fatigue yesterday. While the night wasn’t too tough, a gap has opened with the two Sydney 38s, who seem to have made smart tactical choices. At this stage, it’s impossible to say whether Guilty – Speed Marine – Epureau or Poulpito – MLS – FCD will take the lead. RoAmance continues its upwind journey — never easy for a catamaran! The pace is slower than on the downwind leg, but they’re holding course well.
POSITIVE VIBES IN THE FLEET
Blue – Budget – Le 3 Mâts: Good vibes on board! The crew says they’re “well settled”. The boat is in great shape with no damage to report — and cherry on the mast: “no one is seasick!” At 6:30 this morning, they overtook Dove – Syrius Solar – Défi des filles and were ready to change sails to “go faster.”
Boudicea has rounded the western horn and begun the descent. Spirits are high: “The Grand Passage went really well. We expected rough conditions, but nope!” Despite a few minor incidents — a spinnaker halyard and a torn spi — the boat and crew are holding strong. “We’re carrying on,” they told us. “We’re thinking of Rushour, but please tell our loved ones that we’re focused on safety, being very careful. All is well.”
Party Time – Optique Discount was busy overnight making up lost ground! The boat is performing well, though a few crew members are feeling the effects of seasickness. Nicolas, ever energetic, told us with a smile in his voice: “The Groupama is a big adventure; you really have to be prepared. People say it’s easier to hug the coast on the upwind return — but that’s not always true!”
Girouette was a bit quieter this morning. “The Grand Passage was brutal. It wiped us out. We haven’t slept for nearly 24 hours.” The duo wisely chose to enter the lagoon to ease the pace and… get some much-needed rest.
NEWS FROM BLADE RUNNER
“We’ve entered the lagoon and plan to refuel tomorrow at some friends’ place near the mouth of the Diahot River and Go Koumac. We’re disappointed, but not sad. When we see that some had to be evacuated by helicopter, our thoughts are with them. We still have 98% of our boat. And it’s bringing us back to Koumac. We’ll probably bring her back to Nouméa later… Best of luck to those still in the race.”
TODAY’S BAD NEWS
At 7am this morning, BCI BRER FOX lost what was left of its mainsail and had to officially retire from this New Caledonia Groupama Race.