Charlie Dalin, aboard MACIF Santé et Prévoyance, has once again proven his mettle in the Vendée Globe, reaching the Cape of Good Hope this afternoon at 15:45 UTC. Covering the distance from Les Sables d’Olonne in 19 days, 3 hours, and 43 minutes, Dalin also achieved a remarkable time of 7 days, 18 hours, and 39 minutes from the equator to the cape.
Racing Through Time
Reflecting on his journey, Dalin remarked, “I feel like I’ve been teleported here from the equator! It’s really impressive how quickly we’ve covered this section.” Moving at breakneck speeds, he and his competitors have crossed multiple time zones in a matter of days. The transition to the southern hemisphere’s summer light is evident, but the atmosphere remains mild as the fleet prepares to enter the Indian Ocean.
A Competitive Fleet
Unlike 2020, when Dalin held a commanding lead of 300 miles, this year’s Vendée Globe features a tight race. Just 17 miles separate him from second-place Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE), with Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) and Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) trailing closely behind.
“It feels like a Figaro race around the world,” Dalin quipped, highlighting the intensity of the competition. Strategic decision-making will now take centre stage as the sailors face crucial positioning choices that could shape their progress toward Cape Horn.
Speed, Strategy, and Reflection
Dalin’s record-breaking 24-hour solo run of 615 miles, powered by a “secret setup,” has set the pace. While maintaining speed, he’s prioritised preserving his vessel, demonstrating his dual focus on performance and longevity.
Other competitors, like Sébastien Simon, are approaching areas of personal significance and challenges. Simon, currently in fourth, remains cautious near the zone where his race ended prematurely in 2020. Meanwhile, Louis Burton and Pip Hare are strategising to regain ground, eyeing the Indian Ocean’s evolving weather systems for opportunities to close the gap.
Looking Forward
As the race advances, the southern seas promise a blend of challenges and opportunities. With competitors navigating critical strategic decisions, the Vendée Globe’s next chapter is set to test their resilience and skill. For Dalin and the leading pack, the journey eastward marks the transition from sheer speed to nuanced navigation—a balancing act that will define their paths to the finish.
Stay tuned for more updates as the fleet tackles the southern ocean.
