The skipper Fives Group – Lantana Environnement is only 48 hours from Cap Leeuwin, second course (on three) of his round the world race! After 5 weeks of racing, Louis continues his southern route along the "ice zone". The weekend was relatively quiet, between two depressions… Next one is coming.
He is precisely on his heels, this new low pressure vortex, but he should have the good idea to slide south, allowing the solitaries to trace full east, above him, in conditions manageable and conducive to speed, if the sea conditions permit.
Reunion
I say "solo" because the second highlight of this week will be the regrouping of the fleet of Imoca dinghies. The northern partisans will have to dive south to avoid the calm of the Australian coast (and take advantage of the flow of this new depression). The Southerners have no choice but to go up along the safety zone imposed by the rules of racing.
So?
Who will have been right, the southerners or the northerners? Apart from the experienced Jean Le Cam who seems to have made the break, in his wake, this grouping could be a kind of new start. Case to follow in two to three days...
2 missing weeks
One thing is certain, however: a technically, emotionally and physically crucial phase of this planetary regatta is coming to an end. This Indian Ocean (which has not quite said its last word) will have marked the spirits by the power of weather phenomena encountered very closely by solitaries, and especially by supporters of a southern road.
During these two key weeks, the skipper Normand has been able to chart a course of his own: daring and cautious at the same time.
(Louis' beacon did not work during the 7:00 clock this morning, it should be restored for the 11:00 hour ranking)
A respectuous and circular sporting event
The Fives IMOCA is an "upcycled" boat. Thanks to Louis, it lives a 2nd life!
Louis and his team gave a new life to a very damaged IMOCA because of a fire. This refurbishment undertaking was a real technical challenge... that succeeded in only 10 months!
Louis and his team continue to apply this upcycling principle and optimization research with a constant effort on sobriety throughout this Vendée Globe program.
Louis is also very keen on respecting everyone's work and giving a chance.
The Fives Group, a major partner in this Vendée Globe program, has been seduced by such commitment and values, as it shares the same values and responsibilities.
Fives, your partner for a more virtuous industry
For over 200 years, the Group has designed the breakthrough solutions and technologies that make industry what it is. From the first railways to the Eiffel Tower, through the spatial conquest, Fives always spearheaded the industry of the future. Pioneering decarbonization, the Group is an unconditional partner of the industry's energy transition. Through digitization, the promotion of a circular economy and the development of new processes and new energy sources, Fives puts its technological leadership to its customers' service.
www.fivesgroup.com