4th episode to tell the story of the second edition of the crewed round the world race held in 1977/78. Known as Whitbread, this race started its second leg between Auckland and Rio, crossing the famous Cape Horn. The feat of this film, released in theaters at the time, is to produce images on board French sailboats. Thus we find ourselves on board Pen Duick VI, Gauloise III and Japy Hermes.
Boats in a bad way
When they arrive below 50° South, the sailboats are propelled downwind by strong winds. The equipment is put to the test in these southern seas. Thus, we will witness the live breaking of the gooseneck of Pen Duick VI. Filming Eric Tabarly, we see how the sailor reacts to the problems, always keeping an Olympian calm, even if a few swearwords are used here and there.
Similarly, it will be a spinnaker pole on Gauloise III that will not withstand another start in the heap. Or the many spinnakers that will be torn apart at the rate of over-sailing.
Crews in demand
If the equipment breaks, the men must also endure the harsh conditions of navigation in these seas. Cold waters, winter temperatures and no technical clothing very adapted to support the conditions. We are far from the breathable solutions with which even a beginner sails today...
