In 4x4 mode

Whilst the leaders have devoured 40% of the Vendée Globe course and Cape Leeuwin is gradually taking shape on the horizon, the situation in the Indian Ocean remains chaotic, mishandling the sailors from beginning to end. “Right now, the wind is fluctuating between 15 and 30 knots. It’s impossible to carry the right sail area”, explained Giancarlo Pedote, this Saturday morning, still holding onto 10th place in the ranking. “There is still a disgusting sea and every time a squall passes through it builds a little more. It feels like I’m in a 4x4 on the bumpy tracks of the Cameroon desert. It’s the same story, except here I’m at sea”, explained the skipper of Prysmian Group, recalling a two-month voyage in this country in central Africa back in 2000, that too in solo format and ‘rucksack’ mode. Though the situation is far from comfortable and requires a massive amount of concentration, Giancarlo’s heart goes out to Fabrice Amedeo, forced to retire from this round the world yesterday after losing his on-board computers, and to the crew of Thomas Coville, also forced to retire yesterday from its Jules Verne Trophy attempt due to rudder issues. “Fabrice and I competed in the Transat Jacques Vabre together in 2007. We’ve maintained a good relationship since that time and I chatted with him yesterday to pass on my support. I’m also really sorry for Thomas. He’s someone I really like; he’s a very nice guy. It’s disappointing to see him fail in his attempt, especially as he was already a long way into it. It’s a shame, a real shame”,  commented the Florentine, who is inspired by the prospect of maybe doing a crewed round the world too. “I’ll try to complete my first solo round the world first, but if an opportunity presented itself one day, I’d certainly look into it. I don’t rule out anything out of hand.”