Vendee Globe Golding fastest overnight

by Susan Preston Davis on 21 Feb 2001 The closing stages of the Vendée Globe continue to shock and surprise.
Mike Golding's shore team was greeted by a stunned silence from their
skipper earlier today when they told him about Catherine Chabaud's
dismasting in the early hours of this morning. Golding was clearly shocked
by the news and could sympathise as only one who has suffered in a similar
way, albeit at the start rather than the finish of the race. For it to
have happened so close to home must be a terrible blow.


For his own race Golding continues to make good progress towards the
finish. According to the latest position report at www.vendeeglobe.com he
was the fastest boat on the water this morning making 10.5 knots in 43
knots of breeze. He reports that he is still averaging 10 knots and
currently headed 040 degrees - sailing almost directly at the finish line.
He has covered 236 miles in the last 24 hours and is now 463 miles ahead of
Josh Hall.

Marc Thiercelin finally finished this morning at 11.48.49 hrs (GMT). If
Golding arrives at the finish in Les Sables D'Olonne before 15.48.49 hrs
(GMT) on Wednesday 28th February he will be the fourth fastest skipper in
this edition of the Vendée Globe Race.