the french Marine Nationale meets some boats in the Vendee Globe race

[ronan]

Hello
I found this vid, in the south of Indian Ocean :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KUQdbWUCgY
( the 1st sailor is Armel Le Cléac'h,  the 2nd sailor is Alex Thomson, speaking english )

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

23 knots! Blimey! 

[toxicpixie]

That'll get the tea home quick!

[jimduncanuk]

23 knots! Blimey! 

It's been reported that the British challenger for the Americas Cup is capable of 50 knots plus, not sure under what sea conditions.

Did anyone notice that the British sailor was flying the Union Flag upside down, maybe he was in distress?

[paulr]

Given the amount he is heeling he is pretty close to distress

23kts with two reefs in 

For the non-sailors his main sail is not fully up reducing sail area and therefore his speed while also keeping him 'more' upright

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

It doesn't help that if you listen to his conversation he's lost a hydroplane/keel!