VENDEE GLOBES BERNARD STAMM COMES BACK FIGHTING

After his frustrating forced return to port last week it looks like favourite Bernard Stamm will soon be back in the running, with his boat Cheminées Poujoulat sailing at an average speed of 20 knots. Taking advantage of favourable trade-winds he is managing to close the gap between himself and the rest of the boats however he is well aware that things could change dramatically in the near future.
Stamm may well be feeling somewhat optimistic but he knows full well he has to remain realistic at this early stage of the race. “Of course it feels good to be able to slip along like this, but the leaders have slowed right now and when they get going again it’s me that will be entering the Doldrums.”
When asked how it felt to be racing with no competitors close by he added. “It’s different, even though I’m trying to sail as if they were alongside, or just ahead. I’m making sure that I snap up every opportunity that arises. I’m sailing cleanly, but I’m sailing another race”.
The good news is that the bowsprit, which was fixed up in a three-day repair marathon is showing no signs of weakness. “I’m keeping an eye on things. Everything seems to be in good shape and as I’m putting the boat through its paces, I have no doubt as to the solidity of recent work”. With his arrival in the Dolldrums only days away the former woodsman is keeping a close eye on the leaders and which course they are taking. However he is fully aware that things could have changed drastically by the time he arrives and the concertina effect of his good fortune could be turned on its head. “I’m monitoring what’s happening with the leaders, but I’m not going to position myself in relation to their course… For me things may well be different.”
In the meantime it is good to have one of the Vendee Globe’s finest back in the race.
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