Sam Davies and the Vendee Globe

[StevenBauer]

Have you guys been following the Vendee Globe single handed, nonstop race around the world? Notable this year for all the boats that have dropped out so far. We're cheering for Samantha Davies in Roxy. She's in the Southern Ocean, not in the lead, but not too far back. Here's an article in the Times online: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/sailing/article5467257.ece

Here's Sam:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01236/sam_davies_1236634c.jpg

http://www.samdavies.com/desphotos/galerie/2008-12-31-SUnny.jpg

Here she is rounding Cape Horn:

http://www.bymnews.com/photos/albums/userpics/10006/normal_Cape_horn_VG_12012009.jpg

Roxy:

http://www.vendeeglobe.org/upload/images/mini/JPG_1224166814-76-315x210.jpg



Here's a video of Sam crossing the Equator:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smPHgBNgwXQ

More videos:

http://www.bymnews.com/photos/displayimage.php?album=412&pid=83403


http://www.bymnews.com/photos/displayimage.php?album=412&pid=82519


Go Sam!

[Brian Palmer]

I've been following along. I've got to admire anybody who can do this, but Sam Davies is certainly one of the more charismatic sailors this go round.

Brian

[Clinton B Chase]

Damn, she is cute.

[Uncle Duke]

Official site is here (http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en/), for those who are interested...
I follow the Vendee every time, and I an consistently depressed at how poorly Americans do and how little interest there is here. Rich Wilson is about 5k Nm back with no chance at all. Of course, if there were any deep-pocket sponsors in the U.S. he might have a boat which was less than 10 years old....

Sam is, of course, much easier to look at than he is - so that counts for something!!!

[Hollingsworth]

http://www.samdavies.com/desphotos/galerie/2008-12-31-SUnny.jpg

Am I the only one who thinks that this shot could have gone horribly wrong?

[John E Hardiman]

http://www.samdavies.com/desphotos/galerie/2008-12-31-SUnny.jpg

Am I the only one who thinks that this shot could have gone horribly wrong?

<shrug> The young have always thought themselves invincible....

Just the modern equivalent of mast cap standing, and not as impressive.

[Peerie Maa]

<shrug> The young have always thought themselves invincible....

Just the modern equivalent of mast cap standing, and not as impressive.

But where would she have set the camera on a sloop?:confused::D

[gert]

You think she might be a "risk taker"? ;)

[Jim Budde]

See her tethered to any life lines in these pictures? I'm gonna call her mom!

[Hollingsworth]

And did you see her drinking champagne and eating a candy bar when she crossed the Equator? Totally irresponsible, I tells ya.

[Ian McColgin]

And no PFD. Heaven forefend!

But seriously, one would have to jump pretty far to one side or backwards to clear the lifeline. Not really more hazardous than just standing on deck.

There are usually several gyroscopically stabilized cameras around those boats so we can get the candid action. Leading to some amazing stuff.

[George Roberts]

I guess a PFD is more or less worthless in such a race.

[ssor]

A pfd would only prolong the agony of dying not prevent it.

[RFNK]

There's not much interest in Oz either except when our navy has to pick them up when their keels break off. I don't think it matters at all who wins - anyone who completes this event has achieved something outstanding and inspiring. These boats are so finely balanced that any bit of bad luck can knock out any of them at any time. If you're lucky you win, if you're not, you get your 15 minutes of fame on the news in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or Argentina. The only winner I can actually recall is Robin KJ and of course Moitessier's `participation' is legendary.

[Uncle Duke]

For those hard up for stuff to read, I highly recommend Derek Lundy's book Godforsaken Sea (http://www.amazon.com/Godforsaken-Sea-Through-Worlds-Dangerous/dp/0385720009/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231888684&sr=8-1), about the 1996 race.
An excellent mix of history, boat design, the race itself, and the people who do this kind of thing. I've given copies to many people, never with a bad review...

[Concordia...41]

There's another good book - http://www.amazon.com/Loneliest-Race-Sailing-World-Challenge/dp/0713642025/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231895608&sr=1-1

about the 1994/95 BOC (as it was known then) and which features my boss, friend, and Sarah's guardian angel. ;)

There's also good info on line about his and Rich Wilson's unfortunate experience around Cape Horn.

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

She's SUPER COOL I LOVE HER ATTITUDE

GO GO GO

[Woxbox]

When I was in the Atlantic I had a sea-water shower every day; I’d use Kérastase shampoo, which produces a bit of foam, for my hair. Now it’s colder I don’t wash at all: I just use baby wipes, which is hard for a girl who likes her products.

...We’re all vulnerable, and there’s a lot of camaraderie.


This is a really refreshing sailboat race read -- no macho posturing here.