Getting Back

Sebastien Josse’s Vendée Globe ended last Boxing Day, when BT was knocked down by a massive wave in 60 knot winds. The result of the capsize was serious rudder damage and cracks in the coach roof and central bulkhead. Three days later, Sébastien decided it was impossible to repair the rudder damage and the only viable option was to head for New Zealand:

Whilst Seb has been keeping himself fit windsurfing in the Brittany gales, the BT Team shore team has been carrying out a comprehensive repair and refit programme, in Auckland. The refit is well underway and, on completion of this work the Open 60 will be loaded on a cargo ship bound for Northern Europe, before sailing to Port La Foret where the boat will be based in 2009. It should be back in time for the first training sessions that start in early May.

The big target for 2009 is the double handed Transat Jacques Vabre, which leaves Le Havre on November bound for Costa Rica. Given the boat speed that BT demonstrated in the Vendée Globe, Seb is justified in saying “I’ve got my sights set on at least a podium finish! The choice of my co-skipper is already being considered and to be frank I can think of a few guys I’d like to race with‚ so it won’t be an easy decision to make." Photo of the refit by Paul Ed Henri/BT Shore Team. More here.