Dandelion 53

 

A radiant smile brightens a drab drizzly evening, in Les Sables d'Olonne.

Clarisse Cremer's place, amongst the forty Vendee Globe starters, is secure. Her relief papable. Now that both the New York - Vendee and the CIC (outbound race) have been completed. Despite an emergency diversion, into the Azores, to carry out structural repairs. When west bound.

The victorious Charlie Dalin, in port for nigh on a week now, took his sponsors (I'm guessing) out for a spin, to the Ile de Re. In the afternoon sunshine.

Now he leads a parade, of the final pack of finishers. Those ensnared in a light airs weather system. Whilst he, and Boris Herrmann, hitched a ride, on a fast moving front, off Newfoundland. And made off over the horizon.

James Harayda's joy, at completing this race, must be tinged with worries over his Vendee Globe qualification. As he ascends the canal, tying on fenders.

As things stand, James ranks number forty two. With thirty nine available places, decided on qualification miles sailed. Plus a fortieth 'wild card' place, decided by jury. There is, however, a 'joker' within that pack, of thirty nine. Fellow Brit, Sam Goodchild, is in need of a replacement mast, if he is to take the start.

Of all the returning racers, Conrad Colman looks the most delighted. Ecstatic even. As he ascends the canal, arms flung wide. As if to embrace his success.

His, the lone older generation, daggerboard, IMOCA, in this convoy of flying foilers.