Extract from Le Carnet de Libération by Olivier de Kersauson: “It’s moving on all sides, it’s on the boil. You’d say a thousand demons flailing about in holy water… I can even smile about it when I think: if this is yachting, well I’m not doing it any more. To be clear about it, I can’t continue a week like this.”
The trimaran’s anemometer rarely fell below 45 knots during the 31st day of the team’s attempt. Barepoled, the boat sped along with its mast only. The sentences became short, the messages concise: “SURFING AT 29 KNOTS MAST ONLY, LONG LIVE DAYBREAK, OLIVIER.” It’s becoming difficult to move around, everything’s drenched and icy, the sea is monstrous with a westerly swell and seven-meter waves from the south. Didier’s back is hurting, the many injuries and fatigue are making maneuvers dangerous:
“SHITTY SEA BRRRRR VERY HARD I WONDER IF WE CAN CONTINUE FOR LONG IN THESE DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. I FEEL LIKE WINTER IS ALREADY HERE TURNS ARE VERY BRUTAL UNSAILABLE. TO BE CONTINUED. OLIVIER »