Leaders in Full Sprint
Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA) are back in ideal trade wind conditions, clocking averages above 20 knots. Both skippers are set to cross the equator and return to the Northern Hemisphere on Sunday afternoon, with Dalin extending his lead to 130 miles. Bright sunshine and stable winds have given the leaders an opportunity to push hard while preparing for the doldrums.
A Tight Race for the Top 10
In third, Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) is cementing his position, thanks to strategic brilliance and a proven boat that has already won The Ocean Race. Simon’s consistency and calculated risks, such as sticking with Dalin through a major low in the Indian Ocean, are paying dividends.
The battle for 4th to 10th places is heating up. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm, 5th) has cut Thomas Ruyant’s (VULNERABLE, 4th) lead from 400 miles to just 40. Justine Mettraux (TeamWork-Team Snef, 10th) is taking a bold westward route, chasing gains with her fast pace despite challenging conditions.
Overcoming Obstacles
Several skippers face setbacks as they battle upwind conditions and navigate a cold front. Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB, 6th) is racing without wind instruments, complicating sail trim and navigation. Lunven shared his frustrations:
“The sea is rough, and without wind instruments, it’s hard to keep the boat performing optimally. The boats are tired, and so are we.”
The transition zone ahead promises unstable weather and the potential for significant position changes within this group.
Cape Horn: A Symbolic Achievement
This Saturday, Jean Le Cam (Tout commence en Finistère – Armor-lux, 16th) rounded Cape Horn for the 7th time in his storied career. At 65, “King Jean” continues to inspire with his resilience and love for the sport.
“It’s emotional every time. Cape Horn never loses its magic,” he shared after speaking with the lighthouse keeper.
Alan Roura (HUBLOT, 17th) prepares for his third Cape Horn passage, facing gusts up to 45 knots and 5-metre waves, while other skippers, like Isabelle Joschke (MACSF, 18th), wait for better conditions to round the cape safely.
Personal Journeys
Further back in the fleet, Antoine Cornic (HUMAN Immobilier, 31st) celebrated his 45th birthday while reflecting on the challenges of the race:
“I can’t wait for warmer weather and calmer seas. But for now, I have no choice but to keep going.”
Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ V), the reigning Vendée Globe champion, retired due to extensive damage but is determined to complete his circumnavigation out of competition. After repairs in Ushuaia, he plans to set sail again, proving that the spirit of the Vendée Globe is as much about resilience as it is about racing.
