The anticyclone is gradually freeing Conrad Humphreys (Hellomoto) and Joé Seeten (Arcelor Dunkerque) from its clutches. The two boats have been making good progress since dawn on a constant heading and speed of ten knots towards the finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne, a line they are set to cross on Sunday morning. The conditions seem to have stabilised, with a N´ly wind of between 15 and 20 knots. The boats are sailing with wind on the beam, according to the charts at least, a point of sail which is favourable for speed if the duo had steeds in perfect condition. That hasn´t been the case unfortunately for a long time and both the British and the French skipper are dealing with a series of handicaps; keel and energy problems for Conrad and foresail issues for Joé.
The weather finally seems to want to deal out some decent cards for the next two arrivals in Les Sables d’Olonne. Conrad Humphreys and Joé Seeten should be sailing in reaching conditions according to the files though Joé reported being upwind this morning. The British sailor is still hanging onto a lead of around 50 miles over the Dunkirk skipper who has chosen to glide along to the South of his rival. This strategy is doubtless motivated by a search for a more favourable angle on the wind for Arcelor Dunkerque which is deprived of a solent as the N’ly air flow kicks in across the Bay of Biscay. Conrad is sailing with his keel definitively blocked in the centreline. Without energy for his automatic pilots, he is pressing on his reserves and his courage to cover the final 500 odd miles of racing. A Sunday finish in the middle of the day will be just rewards for their tenacity.
