Mirabaud is currently sailing slower than her potential as she approaches Cape Horn with Michèle still out of action and Dominique skippering the boat single-handedly for the moment. “We’ve reduced quite a bit of sail and we’re sailing really conservatively”, Dominique confirms. “But, the wind is howling, with gusts of more than 40 knots. The seas are huge and it’s impossible to properly slow a boat like Mirabaud down in these conditions. When we take off on the waves, we’re regularly reaching speeds of around 25 knots or more. The boat is banging around a lot and it’s very hard for Michèle to rest in these conditions.”
Mirabaud’s co-skipper is happily doing slightly better. Although still weak and not eating properly, she is on the mend thanks to Dominique’s care, the (relative) warm of her pipe cot and the forced rest.
“We’re currently around 300 miles from Cape Horn, and we should round tomorrow. We’re going to have to put up with these rough conditions, at least as far as the Cape. Then we should be able to change course for a more northerly route and the conditions should hopefully ease a bit. It should also get a bit warmer, which would be very welcome at this stage!”
Over the last few days, the Mirabaud skippers have received many messages of support from fans and friends, and even some advice: soak some rusty nails in water and drink it to try and increase your iron intake, eat well, rest, make sure Dominique looks after you, take Schussler’s salts – get someone who is cruising round the Horn to throw them to you! etc… “We received all these and more,” smiles Dominique. “It’s a big comfort for us and they really help lift our spirits. Thanks to everyone for their encouragement!”
Dominique and Michèle’s main partner, Mirabaud, also sent a message of support to the two sailors, again reminding them that safety should be their priority and to offer all their support for this difficult stage of the race.”
