While analysts are predicting a new Vendee Globe distance record in less than 80 days, the fleet is suffering another loss. The day before yesterday Jean-Pierre Dick, sailing third, 500 miles northwest of the Cape Verde Islands, reported that his boat had lost its keel. The skipper himself is fine, although the danger of capsizing still remains. Dick is now likely to cede his position to Alex Thomson.
This is already the third race of the 47-year-old Frenchman. In 2004-2005, he finished sixth, and in 2008-2009 had to withdraw from the race due to damage to the rudders, caused by a collision with an unidentified object.
