Changing the charging system
After the engine compartment and batteries flooded after a ballast hose became disconnected, Didac Costa and his team looked for a solution to get back on track for the Vendée Globe as quickly as possible. With too long a delay to replace the damaged parts, they opted to modify the charging system: " We replaced the generator with a double alternator on the engine*. This decision means we'll have to load more often and carry more fuel than originally planned." comments the skipper of the IMOCA One Planet One Ocean.
"This charging system remains secondary because it is complementary to the main system, that of the hydrogen generators. During the flooding, the various components that remained underwater for longer periods of time and which are out of order - in particular one of the two watermakers on board - were replaced last night" says Didac.
An incredible outpouring of solidarity
The Catalan skipper would like to thank everyone who was present for these repairs and states that "nothing would have been possible in this time without the help and solidarity of the other teams and especially without the support of the Sables-d'Olonne fire brigade who have devoted a lot of time and energy to us."
"We came by morning, noon and night to check up on him and cheer him up. Some firefighter kids made spontaneous drawings to encourage him. Last night, there was a fun night at the center. During the meal, the firemen returned Didac's clean duvet and showed him the arrangements made at the home to follow his adventure... this was followed by a few guitar chords. This lunchtime he ate again at the rescue centre.
For the new beginning, we will be there in numbers to encourage it. Of course, what we wish him above all is to finish his world tour. And in a very selfish way, we hope he finishes it, because that prefigures a triumphant arrival and a great party in Les Sables-d'Olonne!" says the commander of the Sables-d'Olonne rescue centre, Jérôme Reveillère.
A good weather window to start again
Didac Costa and his team are waiting for a favourable weather window to open before setting off again. Indeed, a front has been sweeping across the Bay of Biscay over the past few hours, generating NW'ly winds of 30 to 35 knots and 3 to 4 metre high waves. "These are not ideal conditions to get out of the harbour and start a round-the-world trip. It's not easy to wait ashore when the boat is ready, but we have no other option." explains Didac.
The wind is expected to drop gradually over the next few hours, but the team will also have to rely on a favourable tide schedule to take the Port Olona channel and cross the start line again. To stay in the race, Didac Costa has until 16 November at 13:00 to set off again on the assault on Everest of the Seas.
(*) Generator: generator set to recharge the battery pack (independent of the main engine)
Alternator: recharges the batteries by running the main engine
