Pushing limits: Richomme and Dalin lead the charge
Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA) and Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) are poised to set new Cape Horn benchmarks. At their current pace, they are on track to break Armel Le Cléac’h’s 2016 record of 47 days and 34 minutes, as well as François Gabart’s Pacific passage record of 14 days, 11 hours, and 8 minutes set in 2012.
The duo’s battle has been fuelled by favourable Pacific weather, allowing them to maintain blistering speeds as they close in on Cape Horn. Their anticipated rounding, late Monday night or early Tuesday morning (UTC), is eagerly awaited.
For the leaders, reaching the Atlantic offers not just the promise of calmer waters but a symbolic reprieve from the relentless Southern Ocean. “Rounding Cape Horn will feel like the best Christmas gift ever,” remarked one observer.
Struggles in the chase: Simon and the fleet
Seb Simon, aboard Groupe Dubreuil, trails the leaders by approximately 300 miles and is fighting his own battles. Sailing with a missing starboard foil, Simon has been forced to work harder to keep pace. “I’m tackling a 1,400-mile route to Cape Horn and can’t wait to leave the Southern Ocean behind,” Simon shared.
Despite his challenges, Simon maintains an impressive 18-knot average, holding a podium position for now. However, he admits fatigue is mounting: “I am hanging on but have a big sleep deficit.”
Further back, other skippers are bracing for harsh conditions. A tropical depression threatens rough seas for the chasing group, with waves up to 7 metres expected. Nicolas Lunven (Holcim – PRB) described the scene as “absolutely crazy” as he battled unstable winds and high gusts while dealing with mechanical repairs.
The toll of endurance: wear and tear
Fatigue isn’t just about sleep deprivation. For skippers like Sam Davies (Initiatives-Cœurs), the confined environment exacerbates physical strain. “In the boat, you are never standing up because it is so dangerous,” Davies noted, describing the wear and tear caused by constant balancing in cramped spaces.
Meanwhile, rookie Benjamin Ferré expressed frustration at being caught in a ridge that has stalled his progress, lamenting the significant lead his competitors have gained. “The gateway to the East closed in front of us last night. Those few miles will soon turn into 500 or 1,000,” he said.
Let the glassing begin! Maintenance never stops.
The big south’s final test
As Cape Horn draws near, the Vendée Globe remains a gruelling test of endurance, both mental and physical. For the leaders, breaking records is within reach, while the chasing fleet faces challenges ranging from stormy weather to mechanical setbacks.
Despite the toll, the allure of the Atlantic and the promise of smoother sailing beyond Cape Horn provide a beacon of hope for the skippers as they tackle the Southern Ocean’s final hurdle.
