
A different scenario for every passage through the doldrums
It is a given that on passing through the gates into this convergence zone between the two hemispheres, you’re entering into the unknown. From violent winds fleshed out by active squalls to an endless series of calm spells, anything goes here and nothing is set in stone. From one race to the next, the doldrums reserves a very different fate for the sailors traversing it, which is why it is so feared by sailors everywhere. Yesterday morning, upon brutally toppling into it at around 08:00 UTC, Franck Cammas, Charles Caudrelier and their crew did not imagine that they would spend 24 hours here, powerless against the lack of wind.

Aboard, despite the tension associated with this lack of speed and the time ticking away, the different watches have endeavoured to continue their routine of rotations to keep up the pace. This is no mean feat amidst the numerous manœuvres, which require all the crew to come up on deck, and the exhausting heat under the cuddy and in the central hull of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild.
Casting one’s mind forward to the next stage of the round the world and taking the positives from the situation are doubtless the best way to begin this 6th day of the Jules Verne Trophy record attempt. The equator, still nearly 150 miles away on a direct course, should be behind them today at which point a very different navigation awaits in the SE’ly trade wind on a course towards the Southern Ocean.

Jules Verne Trophy Info
Position of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild on 15 January at 6:45 UTC:
Deficit in relation to the record: 86.5 nm
Speed: 11.9 knots
Course: 246°
Numbers to note:
Passage across the line: 10 January 2021 at 01h 33' 46'' UTC
Deadline for beating the record: 20 February at 01h 3' and 15''
Crew of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild:
Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier, skippers
David Boileau, trimmer bowman
Erwan Israël, helm trimmer
Morgan Lagravière, helm trimmer
Yann Riou, trimmer media man
Marcel van Triest, weather router
Yann Eliès, replacement crew
Record to beat: 40 days, 23 hours and 30 minutes > Record held by Francis Joyon and his crew (Idec Sport) since 26 January 2017.