How does the speed of the Great American IV compare to the speed of motor boats the same size, or L’Hermione?

by Capt. Yann Cariou | Dec 5, 2016 | Q&A, Q&A - CaptYannCariou, Q&A-Expert-wk5

Hello Ellen:  The speed of motor boats depend on their engine’s power (it’s like cars: normal cars or racing cars are not the same). Anyway, normal motor boats like a fishing boat or travel boat go about 12 and 15 knots; speed boats can go 30 knots or...

How is the sea temperature warmer than the air temperature? And why is the sea so warm?

by Dr. Kara Lavender Law | Dec 5, 2016 | Q&A, Q&A - DrKaraLavenderLaw, Q&A-Expert-wk5

Hi Marshall and thanks for your great question! The temperature of the sea surface and the air directly above it can be different because of differences in the amount of energy it takes to heat water compared to air. Water has a higher heat capacity than air, which...

What is Rich’s sleep cycle? How does he get enough sleep to stay alert?

by Dr. Brien Barnewolt | Dec 4, 2016 | Q&A, Q&A - DrBrienBarnewolt, Q&A-Expert-wk5

Hi David, In order to feel rested, most people sleep between 7-9 hours at night. Of course, people who work at night will sleep during the day. Everyone has a sense of how much sleep they need to feel good and rested. How much do you need? Can you think about the...

Can Women participate in Vendee Globe ?

by Rich Wilson | Dec 3, 2016 | Q&A, Q&A - RichWilson, Q&A-RW-wk5

Yes. This, I believe, is the first Vendee Globe without a woman skipper, and it’s unfortunate. There have been great women skippers, like Catherine Chabaud, and Anne Liardet from France, and Samantha Davies and Dee Caffari from Britain. Samantha and Dee were in...

Did you have any difficulties in the race?

by Rich Wilson | Dec 3, 2016 | Q&A, Q&A - RichWilson, Q&A-RW-wk5

Dear DoJoon, We have had several repair jobs on the boat so far. Each takes time away from sailing/racing the boat, and yet is essential to correct. We had to replace a batten car (where the mainsail attaches to the track that goes up the mast). And had to repair a...

I noticed that your lung peak flow has increased significantly from 59 to the high 80s, and that it is consistently greater than 80 more than three weeks into the race. To what do you attribute the improved performance of your lungs?

by Rich Wilson | Dec 3, 2016 | Q&A, Q&A - 3-Asthma, Q&A - RichWilson, Q&A-RW-wk5

Dear Neal, I think that there was some reaction I had to some of the area near where we stayed before the start. Plus there was a lot of stress, and stress is a trigger for my asthma, just as smoke, or cats/dogs, trees/flowers, are. I was quite tense for the weeks...