The final sixty miles in the Route du Rhum which theoretically lasts 3542, are perhaps the trickiest and most irrational of the course. Everything comes together here to upset the forecasts and plans. Starting with the ETA, as the sun goes down on the two contestants. One thing that is clear is that the wind has dropped right off. From Tête à L’anglais island to the Basse Terre buoy, the sailors enter the wind shadow from the Souffrière volcano. On top of that, there are thundery squalls making this final sprint complicated. Still the chaser, Francis Joyon has nothing to lose by attempting various options close to land or further off the coast.
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