The excesses of the South Seas
Shortly after rounding Cape Horn in the 202324 edition of the Ocean Globe Race, the crew of Pen Duick VI transmits a video summarizing the last days aboard the yacht launched in 1973. Marie Tabarly explains the weather constraints of the South Pacific lows, and their consequences on the way the boat is steered. With swells of 10 m and winds in excess of 50 knots, conditions are physical for the helmsman and unforgiving of error. The images of the swell are superb, and stand in stark contrast to those of modern boats in the same vicinity. More exposed and slower than an IMOCA or Ultim, Pen Duick is perhaps more at one with the sea, whose pulse can be felt in the images. This doesn't stop her from surfing at over 25 knots and averaging double-digit speeds in the heart of the southern lows.
Life on board
We also appreciate the joie de vivre aboard the sailboat, whose crew doesn't seem to be holding back their enjoyment. The laughter in Marie Tabarly's voice-over and the birthday sequences bear witness to this.
A video far removed from the controversy surrounding racing rules, which is a pleasure to watch.
