Day 2, 15:28
Hello everyone,
Before the start, when people ask me if I do any mental preparation, I simply reply that I’m ‘preparing for anything’, because obviously we do our absolute best to be fully ready, but from the moment we leave, we’re stepping into the unknown – that’s what adventure is all about.
Right now, the weather has caught us out a bit, and we’ve had to find the right balance to go fast without breaking anything.
After the first night, which was fast but fairly easy, the wind picked up quickly, and after BXA, I decided to hoist my little A5 (the ‘string’, as Alex calls it!), in anticipation of the wind that was set to pick up very strongly a few hours later.
In terms of performance, I was a bit frustrated at the start of the leg, feeling ‘stuck’, but a few hours later I was satisfied because, beyond the wind, the sea was rough and cross-wind, with steep waves that were tricky to handle when the boat was surfing at full speed (including twice at over 20 knots on downhill surfs)…
After this long starboard leg, I had to gybe to head for Cape Ortegal, which I’d set as a waypoint. In 25–28 knots, sailing solo, you really have to break the manoeuvre down, but everything went well, and off we went again ‘full throttle’ on port tack.
By the time I’ve set the autopilot and adjusted the spinnaker, the boat’s off on its own, and I’m holding on tight because things are getting rough!
At one point, the boat suddenly broaches and I jump to the helm. I ease the spinnaker out as much as I can and try to bring it back on course, but nothing works; I don’t understand what’s happening, until I see four large buoys being dragged behind… Damn! I’ve caught a line of fish traps or a net in the keel!
That’s the start of the mess. Anyway, I try everything, starting by lowering the spinnaker, which is already a real struggle because the boat’s sailing reaching in 30-knot winds.
While retrieving the dragged spinnaker, I cut my thumb and bleed like a pig, there’s blood everywhere. I can’t manage it: boat hook, knife, but the lines are incredibly taut, it’s dangerous.
I end up lowering everything, mainsail and genoa included, and there, facing the wind, the boat breaks free and I let out a cry of joy! I furl my spinnaker and get the boat moving again. We’re going to have to push hard to catch up with the leaders…
Once the boat’s moving again, I tend to my wound and lie down because I’m completely knackered; I’ve used up a massive amount of energy.
The race is a real battle, and the approach to Spain isn’t straightforward. I’ve taken the southern route close to shore (with Ose) and it seems to be paying off.
Right now, I’ve got 10 knots of wind and sunshine – it’s so good. In 40 nautical milles I’ll be at Cape Ortegal, where the wind will shift, pick up, then ease off. Another two tricky days before I hit the Portuguese trade winds, and then it’ll be time to look at the gaps.
The adventure goes on…
— JP
Position and ranking
