Vendée Globe: Sansó Back In The Race

Sansó is 13th place over 500 miles the lead group.

He seems not to have anchored and was making 1 to 3 knots through the night. But Vendée Globe skippers can anchor in a bay to repair. The rules that govern this 60ft IMOCA class of boat are strict about anchorages: The total weight of the anchor, including the chain, must be greater than or equal to 75kg. The Anchor must be sealed (like the engine) and if used a penalty may be applied by the race jury. The skipper must not receive any assistance (except strictly limited medical support).

Meanwhile of the two boats out of the race: Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée) who abandoned yesterday morning after his collision with a fishing boat on Wednesday, arrived in La Coruña and Sam Davies (Savéol), out after dismasting on Thursday night, is approaching Madeira.

Fleet news:

As the lead boats drag race south in 15 knot north easterly winds, Bernard Stamm (Cheminées Poujoulat) has taken second place from Francois Gabart. The seven boats at the head of the race have all converged on virtually the same route. But Vincent Riou (PRB) and Jean-Pierre Dick (Virbac-Paprec 3), still lie slightly west and they are the only two not to have lost significant miles to Armel Le Cléac’h (Banque Populaire). But a yo-yo effect may take place again, as it did with Gabart, as Cléac’h has hit a light patch of wind that the forecast suggests may strengthen by the time the other boats arrive.

One hundred miles east, but bearing southwest to converge with the pack, Mike Golding (Gamesa) was not joking when he said that he would rather be where the other boats were, as he and Jean Le Cam (SynerCiel) lost around 70 miles overnight.

Photo JESUS RENEDO