and if the groupama breakup dosn't convince vann that the southern ocean is too much for the can maybe this report from the russian trying to set a record for antarctic circumnavigation will

18th Feb 08. 1200 UTC Sat Phone Sched with Fedor
"Here at 52 South it is very harsh conditions with winds 50-55 knots, gusts up to 65 knots, and monstrous seas. Some of the waves are half the height of my 110 ft mast. It is difficult to breath on deck when standing against the wind. The main sail is completely down lashed to the boom. I have 1/3 of the stay-sail set and the boat is going at 10 knots, surfing 15 knots on the waves. It’s very rough but but boat is holding up OK and conditions are gradually weakening. Fedor”.

he's got a cv that vann should respect

http://cruising.sailboatowners.com/forums/CSBB/index.cgi?noframes;read=117829