Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - ‘Gladiator’ skippers begin ultimate test in Vendee Globe

‘Gladiator’ skippers begin ultimate test in Vendee Globe

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
The start of the Vendee Globe on Sunday saw 33 skippers set out on the solo around the world race. AFP

‘Gladiator’ skippers begin ultimate test in Vendee Globe

Britain’s Alex Thomson said the 33 skippers who started the ninth edition of the Vendee Globe race on Sunday would feel like “gladiators” as they slid out of the channel at Les Sables-d’Olonne and on to the high seas.

The approximately 24,296 nautical miles solo non-stop round-the-world race got underway an hour late when, instead of the perfect weather conditions that had been predicted, fog descended in a matter of minutes that left officials unable to see from one end to the other of the 2km long start line.

Due to the coronavirus, the start took place without the hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts who gathered waterside four years ago to see the race off in a carnival atmosphere, with the mist and silence making for an eery spectacle on the Atlantic coast.

But Thomson, who came third in 2012 and second four years ago, was excited to finally be heading out again.

“You feel like a gladiator when you go down this channel,” he said. “I feel sorry for competitors who have never experienced this before,” said Thomson whose 18m boat Hugo Boss is one of the pre-race favourites.

The stress levels have been increased this year in the build-up to the start by the need for all of the skippers to take a late coronavirus test which could have seen them prevented from starting.

Isabelle Joschke, one of six women on the start line, said it was like “the sword of Damocles”.

Thomson said he had taken around 20 tests in total.

“When we were able to sail again after confinement, we adopted a very strict policy regarding our way of operating, not just for me but for the team too,” he said.

Last glass of wine’

“It was hard for the members of the team and their families.”

Fortunately all 33 skippers tested negative and were given the green light on Saturday to start the race.

However, the initial forecast that promised a start in glorious conditions fell wide of the mark for the competitors in a record field.

Race meteorologist Christian Dumard had predicted “a south-easterly wind . . . with 12 to 15 knots of wind more or less south-easterly”.

He added: “The situation will get a little trickier in the evening since the first competitors will meet a depression which is off the coast of Ireland in the second part of the night.”

Even though this race will not end until late January, there was the same excitement and nerve-jangling for the skippers as at the start of any great sporting challenge.

“These are very intense moments, the heart rate is up, we have a lot of adrenaline,” said French skipper Charlie Dalin.

“The moment when you go from being surrounded by your team to all alone on board is quite special.

“When you see them jump into the water one by one, you feel that it becomes more and more what it is all about. Suddenly, it’s silence, you can’t talk to anyone anymore.

“You just hear the sound of the sails, the sound of the wind and the countdown of the stopwatch before the start.”

Britain’s Samantha Davies made the most of her last few hours on shore.

“I took advantage of routine,” said the 46-year-old.

“I had a last glass of wine, a last shower with hot water, and the last time I was in a bed that does not move!”

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former

  • After three deferrals, Capital Gains Tax to take effect Jan 1, 2024

    The General Department of Taxation (GDT) will implement the Capital Gains Tax starting January 1, 2024 to after being deferred three times as industrial players warn that the implementation might have some negative impact on the property market growth, which is down due to the economic downturn.