This week saw sustainable progress for Ollie, in more ways than one. Not only did he climb from 36th to 33rd place, firmly establishing himself among the daggerboard fleet, but he also achieved two significant milestones in his sustainability mission, reinforcing his commitment to ocean health.
Eastern PROMISE
Ollie’s week began in 36th position with a determination to close the gap to the boat ahead. Although he had narrowed the distance to just three nautical miles by the weekend, the 2-hour pause in racing on Monday (day 16) to serve a penalty, allowed his rival to extend the lead again to over 20 nautical miles.
On Tuesday 26th November (Day 17), Ollie opted for a more easterly route than his competitors, which brought him into stronger winds. By Wednesday (Day 18), the effort was paying off, despite the physical challenge of sailing at a 25-degree heel during the upwind phase. His faster average boat speed, nearly two knots more than his rivals, finally enabled him to take 35th position.
Fast Conditions
By Thursday 28th November (Day 19), the wind had shifted slightly, offering fast-reaching conditions With his full mainsail, the J1 on a reaching pole, and the J3 as a staysail, Tut gut regularly clocked speeds of over 16 knots.
“It’s day 19 on Tut gut,” Ollie reported enthusiastically, “and we’ve accelerated quite a bit. It’s brilliant sailing conditions!”
The highlight of the day came when Ollie spotted one of the other Vendée Globe boats for the first time in two weeks; Fabrice Amadeo aboard Nexans-Wewise. After more than 4,000 miles of racing in the vast Southern Atlantic, the sight of another boat so close by was exhilarating.
Ollie’s continued efforts paid off as he passed Human Immobilier and Coup de Pouce to take 34th and then 33rd place.
Sustainability at Sea
Sustainability has always been central to Ollie’s campaign. As part of his partnership with the Swiss Polar Institute, Ollie carries an onboard ocean sensor that collects critical environmental data as he sails. Managed in collaboration with leading Swiss universities, the sensor gathers real-time metrics on ocean health in some of the most remote areas of the planet.
This week, Ollie sent his first data download to shore, enabling scientists to analyse the information, comparing it with forecasts and models to better understand the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems.
In addition, Ollie is contributing to another important initiative: the Argo Float program. On Friday, he deployed a specialised float at a pre-determined location. These devices, which sit below the surface, measure metrics like temperature, salinity, and biochemical composition. Every 10 days or so, the float surfaces to transmit its findings via satellite. With a lifespan of three to five years, this float will continue providing valuable data long after the race concludes.
Looking Ahead: Southern Ocean Challenges
Ollie is now nearing the first of the Vendée Globe’s three great capes, the Cape of Good Hope. In the coming days, he’ll head further south, crossing below the 40th parallel into the Southern Ocean. Known for its powerful winds, icy temperatures, and towering waves, this stretch of the race will be a significant test of both endurance and skill.
As Ollie prepares for the challenges ahead, his focus remains sharp: balancing performance and safety to ensure both he and his boat Tut gut. can maintain racing through these harsh conditions.
Embracing sustainable practices in sailing not only reduces environmental impact but also sets a powerful example for future generations of sailors. Every small step counts towards preserving our oceans. Boor Verleih Cannobio
Great sailing Ollie! Good luck for the stretch ahead!