As the fleet descends southward, the scenery transforms dramatically. Skippers have reported their first albatross sightings, a hallmark of the Southern Ocean, while navigating the unpredictable eddies of the Agulhas current off South Africa. Known for its rich biodiversity, the current also brings unstable weather, creating yet another layer of complexity in an already demanding race.
The highs of the advent calendar and the lows of the weather – a two-edge day.
High-stakes decisions for leaders
For the frontrunners near Marion and Prince Edward Islands, critical decisions are imminent. Should they take the shorter but riskier southern route or play it safe by heading north, sacrificing distance for security? With inconsistent weather models and volatile conditions, many skippers are delaying their decisions until the last possible moment.
Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) captured the weight of the moment, saying, “The decision about this low has to be made today – going south is the shorter route but exposed to some really strong winds. Going north is a long way round, so you have to be sure it’s really necessary. It’s the first big performance vs safety decision we’ve had to make.”
Meanwhile, Sam Davies (Initiatives Coeur), who led the fleet earlier in the day, highlighted the unpredictable conditions. Her speed dropped from over 20 knots to single figures within hours, a testament to the fickle nature of the winds. Trailing her by 150 miles, Boris Herrmann (Malizia – Sea Explorer), Justine Mettraux (Teamwork – Team SNEF), and Clarisse Crémer (l’Occitane en Provence) are locked in a tight race, separated by just 7.4 miles on the tracker.
Balancing speed and safety
Navigating the low-pressure system presents a unique challenge for skippers, requiring them to balance aggressive sailing with equipment preservation. “We’re going to be riding this big low-pressure system for the next week,” Davies explained. “It’s stressful trying to find that balance between sailing fast and sailing carefully, without breaking the boat or the sails.”
Further back, the daggerboard boats are gearing up for their own challenges. Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans – Wewise) described the upcoming shift in conditions as “no more high pressure, no more soft areas and no more mild weather.” He and others must now adapt to the harsh reality of the Southern Ocean, embracing the cold and the relentless rhythm of the waves.
Embracing the wild
The skippers universally acknowledge the awe and trepidation the Southern Ocean inspires. “These southern seas are a little scary and at the same time, they are very attractive,” said Amedeo. “We pass through them with humility, on tiptoe, apologising for being there, in the middle of all this wild nature.”
This transition marks a turning point in the Vendée Globe, not just geographically but emotionally, as skippers reflect on their motivations and the challenges that lie ahead. As Damien Seguin (Groupe APICIL) noted, “The change of scenery is precisely what we are looking for. All that remains is to place the cursor where we really want it.”
With the Southern Ocean’s trials now in sight, the Vendée Globe fleet is about to enter a pivotal phase. Whether driven by ambition, caution, or a mix of both, the decisions made in the coming days could shape the race’s narrative and leave a lasting impression on those who dare to conquer these untamed waters.
