San Ciprián is a cove protected from NW and SW winds.
It is located on the north coast of Spain at about 70 miles to the east of La Coruña (chart BA1122)
San Ciprian port, operating through administrative concession, services the factory of Alúmina-Aluminio (Alcoa group) and so deals only with merchandise related to the company.
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Racing without a keel for a week now, at 2100hrs French time (2000hrs UTC) this Wednesday evening Dick made the decision to seek shelter and anchor in the bay at San Ciprián, and so avoid the strong gale force winds which are about to sweep the Bay of Biscay especially between Thursday and Friday.
Gale warning for tomorrow : source : weather2
The skipper of Virbac-Paprec 3 hopes to return to the race course late Saturday or early Sunday, seeking to make the final 290 miles across the Bay of Biscay to the Vendée Globe finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne.
Credit : Jean-Pierre Dick
Jean-Pierre sent an email to his team in 21h :
Hello,
There will be a lot of wind on the way to go to Les Sables d'Olonne! The models predict a violent front for the night of Thursday to Friday. I still remember my return in the Transat in 2004. I sailed with the mainsail dropped and staysail only. Me and my monocoque (Virbac-Paprec 1) were rolled around like a washing machine
In one second a wave bloody wave finished off my desire to win to nothing. The sea had been strong but had allowed me to carry on.
This is the argument that has made today to stop and not give up. I am expecting to anchor or find buoy on the Spanish coast in the hope that it is better than toughing it out off Cape Finisterre. But I really want to be home with my own family. I will probably have to be at anchor for about three days. Repairs, reading and eating the remains of my freeze-dried food, what a treat is in store. Such is the price of trying to finish the Vendée Globe.
The Vendée Globe has remained true to the end. I want to finish this race and have had the adventure, I wanted to wear the yellow jersey but I got the polka dot jersey as the best climber. I wanted the fun of surfing and have had this stressful high wire act. To finish the Vendée Globe is the aim but what a joy it will be to cross the line!
This race really builds your character and keeps you humble at the same time.
Thank for your messages of support, it makes me feel better.
JP
Jean-Pierre Dick left his mooring in Saint Cyprian this morning at 07:20 UTC setting off on his final 290 miles to Les Sables d’Olonne. Winds are only light thanks to the high pressure and so it will be a gentle return to the course for Virbac-Paprec 3, which is ideal when you have no keel.
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