Sam Davies chats to Sail + Leisure contributor, Jeff Ayliffe onboard Initiatives-Couer.
On December 2nd, the Vendée Globe skipper hit an unidentified floating object, and picked up significant damage to the framework supporting the keel. After consultation with her team, Sam made the decision to stop in Cape Town.
Sam will rejoin the course after making repairs and race as ‘hors course’ – unclassified. Her motivation to continue sailing is to support Initiatives-Couer. The foundation raises funds for underprivileged children in need of heart surgery.
The funds raised to date will cover 35 heart operations. You can support this worthy cause too.
Jeff and I first met Sam in 2014. We sailed with her aboard Team SCA during the Volvo Ocean Race Pro Am and practice races in Cape Town. Back then I was doing the Communications on the Cape Town stopover for Team SCA. Sam was then the skipper of the all-female team.
Jeff got to climb the mast of the Volvo 65 back then, and to follow suit Sam invited him to climb the rig of her IMOCA 60. Watch the video to see just how tall that mast is!
Jeff was allowed onboard where Sam showed him the damage to the framework and explained what had moved on impact. She also explains how she was flung with full force when the boat hit the object.
Sam shares her passion for the Foundation to which she is committed.
We look forward to seeing Sam back on the water as she races around the world for a good cause.
Good luck Sam!
Pictures: Vendée Globe and Jeff Ayliffe.
