A Close Contest for the Crown
Charlie Dalin continues to demonstrate why he’s regarded as one of the best in the sport, maintaining a 140-mile lead over Richomme as they head toward France. Both skippers have navigated trade winds with impressive speed, averaging 20 knots over the past 24 hours. However, as they approach the Brittany coast, a patch of light winds could create an opening for Richomme—if only he weren’t missing his critical J0 sail.
Dalin is expected to cross the finish line early Tuesday morning, with Richomme following hours later. While Richomme acknowledges the odds are stacked against him, he remains hopeful:
“It’s crazy to think this is already the end of the Vendée Globe. If I make it to the finish, it’ll be great!”
Third Place and the Spirit of the Race
Trailing 800 miles behind the leaders, Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) is expected to arrive in Les Sables d’Olonne between Thursday and Friday. Simon’s journey has been one of resilience and determination, overcoming injuries and setbacks to make it this far. Reflecting on his experience, Simon shared:
“There has been a lot of sacrifice, a lot of energy… I feel like I’ve been teleported here. We humans seem to only remember the good things!”
His triumphant return to his hometown will undoubtedly be one of the emotional highlights of this year’s race.
The Battle in the Chasing Pack
The race from fourth to tenth place is proving just as thrilling as the contest for the lead. Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE, 4th) and Jérémie Beyou (Charal, 5th) are locked in a neck-and-neck battle as they approach the Northern Hemisphere. Goodchild holds a narrow lead, but the Doldrums and shifting trade winds could yet change the dynamics.
Further back, Boris Herrmann (Malizia Seaexplorer, 9th) and Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB, 7th) are contending with squall zones, while Paul Meilhat (Biotherm, 6th) praised the intensity of the race:
“What is impressive is the fight and the level of intensity. I didn’t expect it to be this tough!”
Jean Le Cam (Tout commence en Finistère – Armor Lux, 14th) continues to lead a pack of nine skippers, leveraging his experience to stay ahead. Meanwhile, Clarisse Crémer (L’Occitane en Provence, 11th) and Benjamin Dutreux (Guyot Environnement – Water Family, 12th) are battling it out with contrasting strategies, each hoping to gain an edge.
A Bitter End for Bellion
Not all skippers have been as fortunate. Éric Bellion (STAND AS ONE – Altavia) was forced to withdraw after his J2 forestay system failed for a second time near the Falklands. Facing gale-force winds and unable to make repairs, Bellion made the heartbreaking decision to dock and retire. Despite his disappointment, Bellion remains determined to complete his circumnavigation:
“Making the decision to stop was horrible, but my instinct told me I was heading straight into a trap. I’m going to finish this round-the-world trip—a new adventure is about to begin.”
The Final Stretch
As the skippers approach the finish, the Vendée Globe continues to live up to its reputation as the world’s toughest solo race. From the razor-thin margins at the front to the fierce battles in the peloton, every mile brings new drama and emotion. The finish line is in sight, but for these sailors, the journey will forever define their race.
Stay tuned as we bring you the final chapters of this extraordinary tale of endurance, skill, and passion.
