Onboard Update: Repairs Under Way Part 2

[@neilt7246]

I salute your really positive attitude in the face of this setback. That in the middle of such a horrible job, you still find time to explain to the rest of us ocean racing dreamers what the problem is and what you’re doing about it, is just inspiring. If anyone can break the French monopoly of VG winners it’s you. Bravo Zulu!,

[@DrCrabfingers]

That is unreal....inspirational. Imagine Lewis Hamilton repairing his car while at the same time driving in a race...and making a film about it at the same time!! This guy deserves to be held aloft on his return...

[@julespivet9996]

While at the same time driving in first gear at 20mph instead of 150 tho. Still extremely impresive !

[@barrydavies2977]

It's Lewis. If he can win a race with a flat tire, he could probably do it. 🤔😂

[@robertparkinson9984]

Its incredible that Alex is finding the time and patience to brief us all on his repairs in detail! In miserable conditions but thankfully pretty gentle - surely impossible to achieve this if this happened in the Southern Ocean? Very best of luck with the outcome. Go Alex!!

[@SeawolvesTV]

So cool that you show us these details!

[@zorankalauz2870]

Alex, to me you're already a legend. Great job, great spirit. You're big. Greetings from Croatia.

[@LBH05]

Bonne chance Alex j'espère que tu vas arriver à réparer

[@macdudeuk]

I wouldn't fancy that in a nice dry shed on land. Amazing. Keep it up!

[@chipfire]

This will just make the win all the more spectacular.

[@gontran8638]

I will be so depressed if he doesn't win, imo he is one of the best if not the best imoca sailor of the last years, and he just lacks chance to prove it (the foil in 2016, alarm on the route du rhum) and when I woke up and saw that his boat was stopped I nearly had a mental breakdown. Happily he has a strong mental as well, and I trust him. This text was way too long sorry

[@chipfire]

@@gontran8638 no need to apologise. I agree. Be strong like Alex!

[@RickMentore]

@@gontran8638 text not too long at all, you eloquently said what all his supporters felt!

[@wasabiginger6993]

... wow, Alex is a Huge poster-Hero for a fabulous attitude! ... he never wanted to be a boat builder ... but here he is rebuilding the boat while everyone else is racing past him ... many BLESSINGS of 💕 to Alex!

[@490957]

Incredible work, as Stephen says it is truly inspirational, and many thanks for taking the time to tell us all about it brings life to saying "worse things happen at sea". Never give up and good luck.

[@sleepbootbianca]

You are amazing!! Keep up the good work!! Thanks so much for showing us what’s keeping you buddy during the repairs!

[@Robbo1966]

This is incredible stuff to achieve thousands of miles from land, amazing Alex

[@clipper747pa2]

absolutely unbelievable!! amazing! thanks for taking the extra time to show us around! ...I hope you will be airborne again soon!

[@jonc919]

Alex is inspirational, not only an amazing sailor, good chap with his anti bullying plus Q&A activities but his positive can do approach. One of the best all round sportsman in the world.

[@seayak]

Reminds me of that point in the Appolo 13 mission , where mission control says "OK, here's what they have onboard - don't bring me any solutions that don't use what they have to work with". Bravo Alex - as sailors, we tend to get used to the pain of working with toxic materials in in cramped triangular spaces, but not in the middle of a race, in the middle of the ocean, while getting rocked by the waves that you can't see. Hang in there man!

[@verticalimages2824]

You are incredible !!! For me, you have already won that race...Thank you and good luck !

[@eek4444thesecond]

thanks for taking the time to film these updates for us all! allez alex, the race is far from over, you’ll be flying after the others again soon! ✨🌊⛵️

[@4578simonhi]

Compelled to add any words of encouragement that might possibly help a mad racer bobbing about in the South Atlantic. Alex, everyone is rooting for you, your sportsmanship is unparalleled. The classy response when you first heard of Jérémie’s poor fortune early on with Charal to also being amazed Jean Le Cam’s early success. Taking time out to talk specifically to your younger audience about bullying to filming what must be a very testing time for you. It’s all amazing to me, you deserve to succeed because your efforts are exemplary. Can’t wait to see the repairs finished and for your sails to fill again. Good luck Alex, you deserve tons of it !!

[@laurentchurlet704]

Courage, vous êtes un grand marin et le Vendée globe n'est rien sans vous. Revenez vite dans la course, on vous attend avec impatience.

[@olekils]

Nice work! Great planning to have all of these panels and beams on-board for this scenario, Good luck with the prepping, bonding, finishing the repair! You are the man! Keep going!

[@327365hp]

I wonder if they had used the "spares" in building the boat it wouldn't have cracked in the first place!

[@olekils]

@@327365hp That may be, however there are always uncertainties in the design and building of the boat, from the loads modeling of these relatively new foilers to the structural analysis, to the actual strength of the hand-built components. Safety factors are slim for obvious reasons, and I don't know what caused the damage in the first place. I just think it's cool to see such a well thought out assortment of materials and pre-fabbed components on board allowing a major repair while underway in the middle of the ocean.

[@morganjamesconsulting7236]

Love the running commentary Alex - you are an absolute media and Vendee fan's darling! It's fantastic to hear you so upbeat.

[@trancedrum555]

Alex I remember your hydro generator repair two vendee ago (when you chop your floor up yeah) so I know for sure it will be stronger when finish and i will enjoy your chasing and fast racing again . I admirer your calmness on the repair and the time you take to do it so you will be able to focus only on the race afterword . God speed ......we follow you from Seattle . GO ALEX ⛵️⛵️✌️💜

[@richardbecker3050]

Loving the updates! Wishing you all the best

[@Tinybitofageek]

We all admire you for your positivity and will to push through - not to speak of your DIY-Skills. What a sailor.

[@DIYTyler]

Limited tools DIY at its best!👍🏻

[@hisdadjames4876]

Stunning stuff. Not only the determination and skill to undertake a complex repair, but the composure to video it for us with such clarity and enthusiasm. 👏👏👏👏

[@petertaylor5861]

Glad you have calm waters to do all this work. Good luck!

[@richarddavies-scourfield8413]

A horrible job wherever one does it, afloat offshore must be about the worst. Good luck. With you all the way!

[@benjismith6656]

Dont mind the ‘afloat’ part

[@SVZonda]

WOW.... not only are you a great competitive sailor, you are a comprehensive boat repair man!!!.... All the best Richard

[@peterosborn6056]

Well done Alex, great repair work especially in such a confined space. Keenly watching to see you getting back up to speed

[@brazosducati]

What an amazing display of engineering/art. Good luck from Texas on the repair and the remainder of the race.

[@para1324]

Prayers for a good repair and return to competition. 👍

[@Varmintification]

Alex you are amazing , well done . I so hope you get the result you deserve and I am willing you to succeed as the only support I can give to you from Poland

[@benjaminnevins5211]

This is so cool. You're out in the middle of the ocean, in the middle of a race, and you still take the time to explain exactly what you are doing.

[@moonhand8311]

Amazing this can be done. You don't show the damage in detail, but looking at the size of the prepped area, and the fact they seem to be longitudinal stringers, this is a very serious defect in design. The best of luck to Alex.

[@JoJo-zb3pj]

I would be in my element with this job, so many jobs that Alex may prefer but i would loath haha. You are now a qualified custom boat builder, you have everyone's upmost respect, god speed.

[@ijudd66]

Some great work Alex and great learning for the architects and engineers for your next boat!

[@vfr0391]

Amazing can do attitude Alex, you will still beat my virtual boat back for sure :) Looking forward to clicking on your boat and seeing the speed in double figures again. Best of luck with the repairs.

[@milusocal5325]

Thank you for the update! Amazing that you take the time for it, and keeping us fans updated! Alex you are a hero! 🍻

[@andydavey8981]

An awesome insight into the peaks (and in this case troughs) of extreme endeavour and competition. Total respect.

[@RVP23]

Great DIY channel with a lot of glorious sanding 😅😉 Keep smiling and then... push like hell!! Because now you fixed it yourself, knowing the boats is stronger than ever 💪🏾👏👏⛵

[@bdjm8595]

Wishing you the best of luck with this repair!! On the upside this makes for compelling video!!........Alex comes back from a repair for the win!!!

[@SteveLiebig]

My gosh, what an effort. Best to you, Alex. Stay strong as able. Steady on.

[@capnordest]

Thanks for taking the time to update us Alex. I hope it all works out ok and you can get back into the race as soon as possible. Keep your spirits up, lots of us are rooting for you!

[@denism9789]

Keep the faith Alex!! you're still in the race !! good luck

[@UKPete]

Looking good so far, Fingers crossed the repair will enable you to race again. Go Alex!.

[@andrewpascoe6235]

Just incredible Alex, incredible. Your fortitude is a beacon for us all. Stay safe when working with that stuff.

[@rustie4242]

You are doing an awesome job with the repairs, thanks for the update, cheers Rustie.

[@pavlos9309]

Your spirit is awesome! I hope the neighbors don’t complain about the construction noise ;)! Good luck!!!!!!!!

[@felixstrenger979]

Well done so far! Fingers crossed!

[@paulfreeman9719]

Alex you are amazing and you can do this, make the boat stronger and get back in the race, we are all praying for you and many blessings take care sail fast sail safe.

[@franckr6159]

Great spirit, well done Alex. Looking forward to a great race from you (compliments from a Frenchman).

[@glenndaandbobolivier5995]

You are a man of many talents. Great job it will be stronger than before.

[@maumont2]

this is the real meaning of Solo Sailor ,you must able to solve problems alone ,more or less the same in the life.Bravo Alex! and good luck

[@species5022]

I only stumbled upon this channel yesterday, I have no clue whats going on. But I am confident you can fix it! Keep your spirits high my friend, if you believe in yourself as much as I believe in you, this is merely a little bump in the road. You keep sailing, I keep watching!

[@wolfe1970]

I live by that saying, preparation is the key to success, great to see you working the problem, wish you all the best

[@mojos150]

With the epoxy and polyurethane glues, the air is going to become extremely toxic in this confined space. Hopefully Alex is going to be wearing a respirator and taking breaks for fresh air.

[@malsesto]

It's not nice, you're right, but every sailor is used to it. I breath this annually since I am 13 :D

[@salmiakki5638]

Also Carbon Fiber dust is cancerous and REALLY irritating. He has to take precautions

[@velotill]

@@salmiakki5638 same thought exactly. Cutting outdoors, fine. Sanding indoors, yeesh. Didn't See him wearing respirators, hope he's got them.

[@markhelifreak]

@@salmiakki5638 it is not....still not nice to breath in tough, but a sporadic encounter is no problem.

[@salmiakki5638]

@@markhelifreak I'm not a doctor, but that's what professionals told me when I worked with it. About the irritation part, i can guarantee it myself

[@oscarbolado4429]

Thank you for the update. Inspiring determination. Go Alex!

[@mikesztenc7180]

Hi Alex, Your work looks professionell. You do it very well. And please go back in the race. I am in good hope for you. We meet us 5 years ago in Germany, Kiel week. You and your crew and your old Hugo Boss! Alex Good Luck, do it.

[@colinwheeler4683]

What a difficult job under difficult conditions. Go Alex go ...... you are the man

[@DayDreams-sailing]

Rooting for you! Best of luck and hope you are safely underway soon

[@traviskruger2263]

Thanks Alex. Good luck with the rest of the repairs

[@mattn7415]

Building a boat, while sailing a boat, as far from the dock as possible. I love your spirit and determination to continue on.

[@stormer6364]

Nice job on the repairing, I couldn't see if you were wearing protection while cutting, I assume you were? please do, that carbon epoxy dust is nasty stuff.

[@samuelmartin5973]

Structural fails are a bit dangerous to

[@arkeyethenoo]

Awsome job, great prep work. Clean and degrease as best you can... good luck!!!

[@Wafticincorporated]

Music to my ears, I work with cfrp and aluminum daily. Awesome on you for for being able to make repairs on the fly. Some good sanding and some cleaning with ipa and glue that sucker together.... Maybe a hi lok or twenty lol.

[@andrewmarsden956]

Alex - best of luck and I truly admire your sportsmanship and positive outlook. Based on your impressive life accomplishments this will not really set you back!

[@easylistening1377]

Wishing you all the best Alex!!!

[@greggbutler9344]

On the plus side, at least there’s nobody about to complain about the dust, like in most boatyards, Keep up the good work 👍

[@velotill]

Not complain, but pray to whomever he's got respirators to wear whilst doing that indoor sanding : /

[@tukinfoods5111]

Awesome work! Thank you so much for sharing! This is phenomenal! You should try and do a video call with some of the big you tubers there is so much demand for boat repairing it’s untrue!

[@Discoverortho1]

Total respect. Very inspirational. Best of luck

[@wernerkrenn6552]

you are incredible keeping calm and positive whatever comes .🔥 ,🤔🙂 Good to have two right hands and tools for such repair. As there is a common saying : a round the world cruise is a permanent repair at the most exotic places. 👍👍🍀🍀🍀😜 good luck and take some rest .

[@ryancarson2980]

You're so inspiring Alex. Stay strong!

[@timpani1950]

Huge respect for your tenacity: best of luck!

[@user-eh1ws8sp6y]

Best of luck. Im looking forward to your catching up on the others and of course to Luescherteknik‘s comment to your repair job!

[@ChrisPlow]

I think it’s fair to say Alex is on another level when it comes to determination and positive thinking, and clearly using the 5 Ps strategy for the repairs. Go Alex !

[@chrismartin5870]

Alex, gutted for you.... but relieved that you sensed something wrong so quickly and happy to know that you are still in the race. Just know that you are showing us all how to take life like a punch on the chin.......and just keep going. You are an inspiration. Proud of you amigo.

[@billy10100]

I take my proverbial hat off to you Alex.....incredible fortitude!

[@michaelcarr3037]

Looking good and working in the adverse conditions think how nice it's going to be when it's done

[@ufukozbir649]

good luck man. amazing effort. I wish you all the best

[@kotxcha]

Good luck Alex on your repairs, thankfully the weather is helping. I hope the "nice" weather will delay the front guys enough for you to catch them!

[@paulmerron3947]

Reminiscent of Apollo 13 and the way the whole team worked together to get those guys back home. Only 380 miles behind and 20,000 miles to close the gap. Don't spare the horses Alex but keep safe as well. Good luck buddy

[@als4406]

Brilliant effort! I can't wait to see you flat out again chasing down the win !

[@petergrundy8081]

Your going to get this job done for all of us Alex were all behind you!

[@tomaskryan]

Amazing all the repair material you carry. What a good decision that was! Wishing you the best and a quick return to race mode!

[@tommypetraglia4688]

It would have been nice if the builders finished the boat before he shoved off. No doubt back at HB Racing heads are rolling

[@tomaskryan]

Yep, that is for sure. That bow got a lot of pounding, obviously way more than the engineering models predicted. That highlights the endurance of those racers like Alex, and how much beating they can take, quite impressive!

[@bradcollins9647]

What's broken there (back bone of the boat) is a somewhat massive part of carbon laminate which should have been dimensioned for the loads (which is was not, obviously). Now this shall be repaired with a few thin plates on the sides? Good luck...

[@helenmakrakis7007]

amazing work....great team....well done...inspiring...

[@jeremyusher5194]

Hope all goes well matey love the positive attitude

[@ecoworrier]

That carbon fibre toilet might be looking quite useful by now... 🤔

[@robsfooty]

This will be a race to remember! Can’t wait to see you on the move again Alex!

[@nickbarber6881]

Good luck Alex, Fantastic effort

[@Timhotep8724]

Amazing work Alex x

[@aardvarkmindshank]

Wow, respect. You, Sir, are an inspiration!

[@robertmorgan5941]

Hats off to you, absolutely great job Alex. Well done Alex

[@broyout3586]

Wow, whatever comes out of this (and I really hope we will be in contention again once everything is patched up) this is already epic. Unbelievable, the extent of required repairs to be made... Good luck sir!

[@davidlaw899]

Truly amazing proud of you ‘sir’ Alex

[@johnswanson6790]

It’s enough to have to do the work, much less video and explain the process. Thanks for bringing us along Alex. Now, back to the top of the leaderboard!

[@mikesousa5298]

"How to fix a carbon fiber imoca 60 at sea"

[@chrisyoung9194]

Definitely not for the light hearted....like the race though...it takes courage and determination...something all the drivers have!

[@eberharddoleczik8635]

UNGLAUBLICH - was eine Leistung!!! Und nun - Rennende wegen des Ruderschadens... KOPF HOCH... 💪🍀💪

[@davejazz2424]

Good skills Alex, and the Best of British Luck with it!