China’s Xu, Vendee Globe sailors enjoy clean start but soon face ‘monster under the bed’
For the first time in several editions, the fleet avoided early mishaps that have plagued past races
Chinese skipper Xu Jingkun and the rest of the Vendee Globe sailors enjoyed the competition’s first clean start in recent years on Monday, but will soon come up against the “monster under the bed”.
For the first time in several editions, the fleet avoided early mishaps that have plagued past races and no skippers were forced to turn back to port in the opening hours of the solo, non-stop round-the-world yacht race, dubbed the Everest of the Seas.
In 2020, Fabrice Amedeo was forced to return after suffering a halyard problem, while Spain’s Didac Costa battled an electrical fire in 2016, echoing similar incidents for Marc Guillemot in 2012 and Michel Desjoyeaux in 2008.
However, relief may be short-lived. Skippers now face what British competitor Pip Hare has ominously called the “monster under the bed,” referring to the first major storm system on the route.
“It is the first real sporting challenge of the course,” said Basile Rochut, the Vendee Globe’s weather consultant as the racers set up to negotiate the notorious Cape Finisterre on Spain’s northwest coast.
Xu, who lost an arm at the age of 12, is in last place with pre-race favourite Charlie Dalin, aboard MACIF Sante Prevoyancee, living up to expectations as he leads the 40-strong fleet towards their first major challenge.
