A masterclass in downwind sailing
Richomme’s consistent pace has proven a key factor in his pursuit of Dalin, who has held the lead since December 2nd. Speaking on the Vendée Globe LIVE! show, Richomme credited his boat and sail configuration for the advantage. “I am very happy with the choices I made with the boat and my sails,” he remarked.
This confidence in his setup, coupled with a measured approach, has allowed Richomme to exploit unstable winds better than his rival. According to Vendée Globe weather expert Christian Dumard, “The two skippers are sailing in the same conditions, but Yoann is going slightly faster.”
Richomme remains unsatisfied, though, focusing on maintaining his momentum while relishing his time in the spotlight. “Charlie will have his time in the Atlantic, but this is mine,” he said confidently.
Pip hare: a story of resilience
Among the heartaches in the fleet, Pip Hare’s dismasting aboard Medallia is a stark reminder of the race’s brutal nature. Now 700 miles from Melbourne, Hare is making slow but steady progress under jury rigging at 4 knots.
In an emotional video message, Hare expressed her devastation but vowed to recover and return stronger. “It is not the end. It never is the end,” she said. Her determination has sparked an outpouring of support from her fellow sailors, including Kiwi skipper Conrad Colman, who endured a similar setback in 2016.
“Every mast down is like a knife in the heart,” Colman reflected. “When it happens to you, you feel like your whole world is falling apart.”
A brutal Indian ocean
For many skippers, the Indian Ocean has been unforgiving. Colman, on his fourth round-the-world race, described it as harsher than ever. “It’s been bloody horrible,” he said, adding that the rapid succession of weather systems has left little room for recovery.
Fatigue and technical issues are mounting across the fleet. Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur – DUO for a JOB) battled a keel ram failure that filled his boat with oil. Meanwhile, Antoine Cornic (HUMAN Immobilier) spent hours repairing his mainsail track, and Denis Van Weynbergh (D’Ieteren Group) faced challenges with his wind vane.
Chasing the leaders
Behind the top three, an anticyclonic ridge separates the chasing pack, leaving skippers like Boris Herrmann (10th) and Justine Mettraux (11th) battling fierce crosswinds and rough seas. Clarisse Crémer (12th) noted, “If I don’t maintain good average speeds, I’m going to see this bus [the weather front] leave without me!”
Despite these hurdles, the fleet’s determination shines through as the race pushes into its sixth week. For Richomme, this leg represents an opportunity to challenge for the lead. For others, it’s a fight for survival and a reminder of the Vendée Globe’s ultimate test: conquering the elements and their own resilience.
