What a first week it has been! We began crossed the starting line on November 6, 2016, after an emotional farewell to family and friends on the pontoon and procession down the channel out into the Bay of Biscay. Our first night at sea was strenuous, with many squalls and sail changes, but we are settling into our at sea routine. We had a challenge when our hydrogenerator experienced a malfunction, but for now, have it working again. We continue with the rest of the fleet south, towards the equator.
Procession to the starting line
Rich Wilson (USA), skipper Great American IV, and Yves Auvinet (CG85 President) and Bruno Retailleau (Pays de Loire President) Start of the Vendee Globe, in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, on November 6th, 2016 – Photo Jean-Louis Carli / AFP / DPPI / Vendee Globe
Rich Wilson (USA), skipper Great American IV, Ambiance channel start of the Vendee Globe, in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, on November 6th, 2016 – Photo Olivier Blanchet / DPPI / Vendee Globe
Rich Wilson (USA), skipper Great American IV, Ambiance channel start of the Vendee Globe, in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, on November 6th, 2016 – Photo Olivier Blanchet / DPPI / Vendee Globe
From bow – mast head genak
Ship sighting off stern
Hydrogenerator pump box
Melted hydrogenerator tube
Night reflections
Ship sighting off Madeira