ISAF : Van Den Heed Widens The Gap Again

On a day that saw a major oceanic record fall to Francis JOYON, Jean-Luc Van den Heede is going strong in his attempt to beat Philippe MONNET’s single-handed record – the other way. Here is the latest from Adrien.

Hi there,

The lead over Philippe Monnet is starting to widen again, and that is something that really cheers me up! Of course, today I slowed down a little as the front went over and I sailed for quite a while upwind. There’s no way I’m going to cover 300 miles everyday in this direction! But I’m nibbling away a little everyday, and it’s not over yet, because my predecessor’s progress wasn’t that brilliant this week.

This morning, I discovered a nice little squid on the deck. Of course, it wasn’t a giant squid, but it did measure around 6 inches or so, which was big enough to put it in the saucepan to accompany a seafood risotto. I’m sometimes asked whether I fish. No, not down here, but when I pick up the southeasterly trade winds, I’ll certainly be getting out my equipment to try to catch a big sea bream.

Yesterday evening, I took advantage of a magnificent sunset. The rays went right down to the sea through the clouds, and it was like looking at the religious pictures from my youth, which symbolised a divine apparition. It was very beautiful!

See you tomorrow,

JL VDH