A record-breaking pace
The Vendée Globe never fails to deliver high drama, and this year’s race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. After crossing the Cape of Good Hope, the leading quartet of IMOCAs has made its way into the Indian Ocean, separated by just 40 minutes—a testament to the intensity of this year’s competition.
Yoann Richomme, aboard PAPREC ARKÉA, currently holds the lead, edging out long-time front-runner Charlie Dalin on MACIF Santé Prévoyance. Richomme is about 20 miles south of Dalin as they venture deeper into the Southern Ocean, signalling the start of an epic battle in the icy waters.
Dalin sets a new record
Charlie Dalin, ever the pace-setter, broke the record for the equator-to-Good Hope leg, completing it in just 7 days, 18 hours, and 39 minutes. This eclipses Alex Thomson’s 2016 mark by an impressive 21 hours and 17 minutes. Despite this, the North Atlantic’s slower conditions meant Dalin’s time from Les Sables d’Olonne to Good Hope—19 days, 3 hours, and 43 minutes—didn’t threaten Thomson’s overall record of 17 days, 3 hours, and 43 minutes.
A reset at the Cape
The race saw a thrilling reset as the fleet reached Cape Agulhas, the official gateway to the Indian Ocean. Thomas Ruyant on VULNERABLE was second to round Good Hope, just two hours and 10 minutes behind Dalin. By the time the fleet entered the Indian Ocean, Sébastien Simon on Groupe Dubreuil had surged into second, passing the cape 24 minutes after Dalin. This intense jockeying left the top four—Richomme, Dalin, Simon, and Ruyant—separated by less than 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, British sailor Sam Goodchild, also on VULNERABLE, crossed Good Hope in eighth place early this morning, trailing Dalin by just over 13 hours. This close-knit pack at the front is a rarity in Vendée Globe history, with all four skippers operating at exceptional levels.
A Southern Ocean challenge awaits
For the rest of the fleet, lighter winds in the South Atlantic have delayed progress, leaving sailors eager to join the leading group in the Indian Ocean. Among them, Clarisse Crémer, aboard Banque Populaire, is preparing for her second plunge into the daunting Southern Ocean. Crémer, currently in 11th place, reflected on her mixed emotions about the days ahead.
“I’m a little apprehensive about getting back into the Southern Ocean, about those first squalls of wind,” Crémer said. “The files show four metres of swell, and you think, ‘Ah yes, I’d forgotten what that’s like!’”
Despite the challenges, she noted the lighter conditions have allowed her to catch up on maintenance and prepare her boat for the heavy weather to come.
Tough competition
Crémer also faces the frustration of racing without her big gennaker, lost off Portugal, which has made it harder to keep pace with close competitors Justine Mettraux and Boris Herrmann. Yet, she remains optimistic about the unfolding race.
“We’re entering areas where weather files are less accurate. It’s harder to finesse the course, but having boats nearby is galvanising,” she shared. “We’ve been at sea for three weeks, and while there are tough moments, it’s an incredible journey.”
The Southern Ocean beckons
As the leading pack dives deeper into the treacherous waters of the Southern Ocean, they’ll face bone-chilling temperatures, towering waves, and howling winds. For the skippers trailing behind, the challenge remains to minimise the gap while navigating the high-pressure systems slowing their progress.
The Vendée Globe has once again proven why it’s the pinnacle of solo ocean racing. With a fiercely competitive front group, new records being shattered, and a potentially record number of 39 skippers poised to tackle the Southern Ocean, this edition is shaping up to be one for the ages.
