Welshman storms Vendee Globe

British skipper Alex Thomson sails with his IMOCA boat Hugo Boss’ foils deployed after the start of the solo round-the-world Vendee Globe yachting race on November 8. AFP

Welsh sailor Alex Thomson was 100 nautical miles ahead of key rivals as the epic Vendee Globe yacht race was poised to head into the notorious waters known as the doldrums some time on Tuesday after eight days on the high seas since leaving France.

Thomson’s 60-foot Hugo Boss is one of eight of 33 competitors whose craft are fitted with a state-of-the-art foil that lifts it partly out of the water and can hit record speeds.

The solo round-the-world race is approaching the feared waters known as the doldrums either side of the equator where clashing headwinds from the two hemispheres can cause either dead calm or storms.

“On our way to the doldrums. Looking forward to them. They say it’s not too bad right now, but I’ve heard that one before,” Thomson joked on a YouTube video with the wind howling around him late on Monday.

A reminder of what can happen in high seas caused drama overnight as seventh-placed Corum L’Epargne lost its mast with the team scrambling to salvage their recently-built multi-million dollar yacht.

“We lost the mast off Cape Verde,” the team announced as 45-year-old Frenchman Nicolas Troussel became the first skipper to pull out.

Conversely the Jeremie Beyou-skippered Charal is about to re-embark on the race after returning to port in France on Wednesday for lengthy repairs.

“It’s madness but I’m going back. We had ideas about winning. It’ll be another race now,” said Beyou.

Technically he may target the fastest time of 74 days 3 hours and 46 seconds set by Armel Le Le Cleac’h in the last edition four years ago.

Frenchman Jean Le Cam on his old style Yes We Cam, was in second place followed closely by Thomas Ruyant on LinkedOut.

Race standings as of Monday 1700GMT:

1. Alex Thomson (GBR/Hugo Boss) 21.956,2 nautical miles to race

2. Jean Le Cam (FRA/Yes we Cam !) at 98.5

3. Thomas Ruyant (FRA/LinkedOut) 112.2

4. Charlie Dalin (FRA/Apivia) 171.9

5. Kevin Escoffier (FRA/PRB) 18.9

6. Benjamin Dutreux (FRA/OMIA-Water Family) 235.8

7. Louis Burton (FRA/Bureau Vallee 2) 261.3

8. Samantha Davies (GBR/Initiatives-Coeur) 273.5

9. Yannick Bestaven (FRA/Maitre Coq IV) 280.7

10. Boris Herrmann (GER/Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco) 281.7

MOST VIEWED

Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia
A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication
Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills
A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,
Honda shutters Siem Reap football club
Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said
Hun Sen warns of regional tensions
ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not
PM declares ASEAN Para Games open
The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans
Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening
The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.