This edition of the Vendee Globe has fewer new boats than previous races, meaning there’s a number of boats doing their 2nd race.

Two of these are PRB and Hellomoto. Part of the race story is a tale of these two boats.

PRB was the race winner in 2000-2001. The record of boats on their 2nd race not being stellar, I didn’t predict a high finish for PRB.

PRB

That prediction has been wrong so far. PRB has reached Australia 4 days and 12 hours faster than she did in 2000 with Michel Desjoyeaux at the helm.

PRB’s most recent lead measures 73 miles which is far from safe.

If PRB keeps the lead it would be the boats 2nd win and likely in a record time. Surely that would qualify the boat as the greatest Open 60 ever.

Making Rudder Repairs

Hellomoto sailed this lap by Conrad Humphries last time as Group 4 by Mike Golding is showing a different sort of repeatitive pattern. Last time Golding was dismasted shortly after the start. This time Humphries suffered rudder damage and has to stop off South Africa to make repairs. He is now back racing, hoping to finish in 65 days. Like Golding his achievement won’t be in the standings but more in the realm of doggedly and successfully completing a goal.

Depending upon your perspective these patterns may or may not be fortunate.

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