The leader Armel Le Cléac’h (Banque Populaire) andFrancois Gabart (MACIF) were just 6.3 miles apart after becoming the first two of the Vendée Globe skippers into the Pacific Ocean. It is more of a psychological than a physical line for the skippers, the point at which they begin to feel they are on the way home.
The beginning of the western end of the Pacific is defined by the International Hydrographic Organisation as 146°55' E longitude, marking the border between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. Draw a line south from Tasmania to Antarctica and you have a rough guide.
It was exciting news for Vendée virgin Gabart: “I’ve entered the Pacific Ocean? Wow, that’s great, another ocean for me!” He said on Vendee Globe TV. “That’s perfect, let’s round Cape Horn and go home, now.”
Le Cléac'h was the first to enter the Pacific at 0708hrs(UTC, 0808hrs French time), followed by Gabart (0724hrs UTC). Whilst the others are getting a more traditional buffeting from the Indian Ocean, despite being further north because of the ice gates, the leaders are already starting the great crossing that will take them to Cape Horn.
After reeling Gabart in slowly on Monday and then extending past slightly on Tuesday, Le Cléac’h was himself being hunted as Tuesday wore on. Gabart, to the North of Le Cléac’h as they head east to New Zealand.
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