On a 6.50 meter-long monohull you can afford up to 30 to 35 knots on the nose. As of the Wednesday evening position report, the famed Frenchman was Van den Heede, who in France is simply called VDH, has sailed the Around Alone Race twice. It was a very narrow boat compared to the beamy Groupe Finot generation. He finished second behind Alain Gautier 's Bagages Superior and in front of Philippe Poupon , who broke is mast two days before the finish. Last year, VDH finished second in the Route du Rhum.
Few sailors know their boat as well.
My narrow 60 footer is quite strong. VDH is a native of Amiens in Northern France, and since 1971 he has been living in Lorient teaching mathematics. He is a tall and strong, and happy to go to sea again. I am well physically and mentally. Later, at sea, the wind increased to more than 30 knots and Algimouss had to head into a rough sea to reach the starting line.