Sodeb'O: Icebergs in pea soup
After just two days at sea, Thomas has covered 1,140 miles at an average speed of 23.3 knots. At this pace, his current lead over Francis Joyon's record stands at 326 miles (603 km).
'Thomas Coville and his 60 feet trimaran Sodeb'O'
Gilles Martin - Raget ?Photo
This afternoon, Thomas Coville and his maxi-trimaran Sodeb'O should escape the pea-souper off the banks of Newfoundland. 'At the moment, the most important thing is to escape this treacle as quickly as possible' admitted Thomas Coville this morning on the telephone.
The treacle he is referring to is a thick fog enveloping the banks of Newfoundland. Once again Thomas is unable to see the end of his bows. Added to the stress of sailing blind is the wealth of fishing boats in the vicinity, which forced him to zigzag throughout the night,
Then came an announcement from the Canadian authorities. Two enormous icebergs which have become detached from the ice shelf and are forming growlers. These sections of ice, which are partly submerged, can seriously damage the hulls and the appendages. And as if all that wasn't enough to deal with, Thomas has spotted some whales.
Although Thomas haven't been able to get any sleep, he has taken the time to eat and down some energy drinks. Not far from now, the horizon should start to clear. Indeed, Thomas rounded Cape Race, the most E'ly of the American capes this morning. The route is now open as far as Lizard Point to the SW of England. In order to snatch the record, he will have to reach this area of Cornwall before Tuesday 15th July, 1547 UT.
www.sodebo-voile.com
by Kate Jennings 
Sunshine Coast, QLD
