by Rich Wilson | Nov 22, 2016
Last night we alternated between the solent and genoa. The former goes better to windward, whereas the latter, if going to windward, tends to drive... read more
by Rich Wilson | Nov 21, 2016
Through yesterday afternoon and into the night, we sailed stably and quite fast. We made minor adjustments to which ballast tanks we filled, or did... read more
by Rich Wilson | Nov 20, 2016
In the night, we had a bird flying just overhead about 30′ up above the cockpit in the dark. I could just barely make out its shape, dark... read more
by Rich Wilson | Nov 19, 2016
At 0450 UTC this morning, Great American IV crossed the Equator heading south. It is my 12th crossing under sail, and to see the N turn to S on the... read more
by Rich Wilson | Nov 18, 2016
Today we are on final approach for the equator, only 120 miles ahead. Last night we broke through the last line of big rain clouds – there was a... read more
by Rich Wilson | Nov 17, 2016
Today and yesterday have blurred together in my mind. Partially this is inadequate sleep, and an inadequate routine. When one puts in a reef, or... read more
by Rich Wilson | Nov 17, 2016
Pirates aren’t usually a hazard for Vendée Globe skippers speeding along at 20-plus knots, hundreds and even thousands miles offshore. But on... read more
by Rich Wilson | Nov 16, 2016
Last night I was back at it trying to understand our downwind sails. We have a truly enormous masthead gennaker, about 370 square meters (3700... read more
by Rich Wilson | Nov 15, 2016
In recording our data, I noticed that the hydrogenerators are starting to pull their weight, and also that there were not so many pedestal... read more
by Rich Wilson | Nov 14, 2016
The good news today is that last night was quite stable, and I was able to add to my sleep. I had re-hoisted the mainsail from reef 2 to reef 1 (320... read more
