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Bigelow
Lab and United States Vendée Globe participant, Bruce
Schwab-Ocean Planet, collaborated in 2004 to bring viewers
a unique, educational experience. As Bruce circumnavigated the globe
aboard Ocean Planet, he shared his experiences and observations
through a weekly on-line journal, available at www.oceanplanet.org.
This collaboration provided a portal through which students, teachers
and race fans alike, could increase their understanding of various dynamics
of the ocean as Bruce encountered them. Below a variety of web-based
resources, relevant to each topic, remain available along with a corresponding
link to Bruce's online race journal. |
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The Vendée Globe is a solo, yacht race that tests a sailor's endurance over thousands of miles of challenging ocean terrain. This race binds its competitors to just a few simple rules: around the world from France by way of Antarctica, no help, no stopping, one boat, one sailor. Organized by France every four years, the 2004-05 race had 20 participants representing 6 nationalities: France, United States, England, Austria, Switzerland, Australia. Fourteen skippers took part for the first time, two of whom were women. The course starts and ends at the port of Les Sables d'Olonne in France. The previous record for completing the race was 93 days. The new record stands at 87 days, achieved in 2005 by France's Vincent Riou. Competitors departed November 7, 2004 and sailed more than twenty-five thousand miles, non-stop and unassisted. The race course is described below in general terms and traced on the map: |
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Visit the official Vendee Globe race link (requires translation, available through Google) |
Bruce and Ocean Planet arrived in Les Sables d'Olonne on February 25, 2005 after 109 days at sea. He is the first American to finish the Vendee Globe, ranking 9th overall. A myriad of weather conditions greeted him as he approached Les Sables d'Olonne. From hail and snow squalls with wind to bright sunny skies and dead calm waters, Ocean Planet deftly manuevered through the last the ocean had to give to finally arrive at the dock. Bruce received a hero's welcome from French fans as well as a contingent of American supporters. Click on image for a larger view.
Way to go, Bruce!!
Photo credits for image go to Pierrick Garenne/DPPI for the Vendee Globe
| Click on the topic of interest from this contents menu | ||
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| Pre-Race Preparations | Gulf Stream / European Climate | Upwelling and Productivity |
