British round the world racer, Dee Caffari, is back aboard IDEC Sport. After co-skippering Alexia Barrier's all-female Jules Verne record run last winter.
A circumnavigation hampered by a series of mainsail problems. Initially with the halyard lock. Which caused the huge sail to stick at half mast. Risking capsize, if attempting to reef down, during Southern Ocean storms. Or slowed progress, if subsequently trying to raise full sail.
Repairs were not possible. Despite many attempts. The drastic measure of crash gybing, to loosen the recalcitrant lock, was instead resorted to. This ultimately led to the destruction of the mainsail. IDEC claiming her record with just the tattered remnants of the head hoist.
In conditions a far cry from Moulin Blanc’s glassy seas. Which prove ideal to run its successor up the rig.To test the operation of the replacement halyard lock.
The sail does not, from various chafe marks, appear to be fresh from the loft.
Although it cannot be as old as the maker's mark, at its head, might indicate. Membrane technology did not exist in 1961! Then, the pinnacle of innovation was substitution of cotton for Dacron.
Dee is on the handles, of the coffee-grinder winches, to raise the sail. Joined by a succession of helpers. Who rotate, for respite, as Dee winds on in the hot sunshine. Alexia is slighter of stature and will have no crew aboard. In either the Route du Rhum (trans Atlantic) or Arkea Ultim Challenge (round the world) races.
Famously, Francis Joyon, fitted a bicycle aboard IDEC. When he set the 2017 Trophée Jules Verne record - which stood for nine years. The machine enabled him to use his leg muscles to propel the winches. As a more powerful alternative to his shoulders. Alexia is evidently installing a contemporary, all carbon, iteration.
Meanwhile, on a rather more mundane level: The forecasts indicate that Stargazer's best chance, of a fair breeze around Finistère, is tomorrow. When tidal flows will also be favourable.
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