Monnet Update - Waiting for the Trade Winds
by Windreport 25 May 2000 00:20 BST
Monnet waiting for trade winds
Philippe Monnet is out of the Doldrums but is not yet benefiting from the NE trades. Currently off the coast of Guinea, the skipper of UUNET is making slow progress in an area of head currents but remains serene about the outcome of his adventure. Last position at 06.48 GMT : 10°50’ N – 19°59’ W.
"As soon as speed dies, I can’t sleep anymore !"
Philippe might be out of the disturbed zone of the Doldrums, but the wind is still making itself scarce : "the trade winds are having a job to settle. I’ve got between 6 and 8 knots of wind and I’m progressing at between 6 and 8 knots… but that should soon improve in the next few days south of the Cape Verde Islands".
These particularly calm weather conditions are giving the sailor rather a lot of spare but not very restful time : "as soon as the speed dies it wakes me up and I can’t get back to sleep". However, Philippe admits to being in top form to keep a close eye on his monohull in order to avoid the slightest technical problem before the finish.
110 miles per day to beat the record
At less than 2600 miles (4815 km) from Brest, one can understand why Philippe is banking on safety : "it’s not the best time to break anything ! I’ve got a 7 day lead, that’s quite enough because the Doldrums are behind me and I’ll soon be picking up regular winds. But UUNET is tired and the course as far as the Azores in fairly steady trade winds is not going to be very restful !"
The skipper has 25 days left to beat the record round the world the wrong way. He just needs to average 110 miles (204 km) per day… A performance that is within the grasp of a 60 ft monohull like UUNET and will allow Philippe to put safety before speed.
Happiness is on the water
So close to the finish, so close to the record and at the same time so far from the world of landlubbers… During the midday radio session, Philippe Monnet couldn’t hide his happiness at being at sea : "I’ve been in my element for such a long time that I’m completely out of touch with what’s going on back on land. I want to take advantage of the next two weeks because they are the last in a chapter of my life that I have been preparing for 10 years. I am serene, I’ve got the right cards in my hand and I’m going to try and play them as best as possible". The profile of a perfect champion !
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