Skipper's log: Samantha Davies (Britain), Initiatives-Cœur (IMOCA)

A final night slaloming through the fishing boats along the NE Brasil coast, going faster and faster. Very happy with the boatspeed on our new foils and happy to be hanging in with the lead group throughout the race. If we hadn’t lost our A3 then our result would have been even better but what I can say is that Paul and I have given it all for the duration and I’m proud with how we sailed.

Thanks to Paul - an amazing Co skipper and team mate for this year. Paul has pushed us and the boat and thanks to his input I have stepped up to another level, and learnt a lot along the way. I am sure that this will be key to how I sail the VENDÉE Globe. Merci Paul. 

As we send it into Salvador, I am proud to say that Initiatives Coeur is in top condition - no problems and no systems or gear issues (apart from the sail!) and we were able to push our machine with confidence. This is thanks to our amazing shore team who work hard in the background all year long and I am so proud of this dream team and the work that has been done over the last 12 months. It is essential for me to be here saying this now as it will massively boost my confidence in my boat for the three big solo races  next year. 

So, bring on the Caipirinhas - we’re ready for them - and We’re still trying to get there before Bank Populaire!! 

Sam