Dalin Grabs The Lead
While Ruyant initially led the fleet across the Equator, a technical issue involving a hydraulic ram on his J3 headsail caused a slowdown, allowing Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) to seize the lead early this morning. Dalin’s superior positioning and boat speed in the trade winds have given him an edge as the fleet speeds southward, aiming to connect with the first low-pressure system near Rio de Janeiro.
Ruyant reflected on his race during today’s Vendée LIVE:
“I had to bear away to fix the issue, which cost me two or three hours. Being positioned far west of the fleet in the Doldrums was always going to be tricky, but now, with nine of us within 60 miles, it’s an intense fight. The key is catching this low-pressure system – it should carry us straight to the Cape of Good Hope.”
High Stakes Ahead
The competition at the front is fierce, with skippers vying to avoid falling behind the leading low-pressure system. Missing this weather window could mean being trapped in a reforming high-pressure system, which meteorologists warn could be costly in terms of lost time and distance.
Weather consultant Christian Dumard outlined the importance of timing:
“The leaders should connect with the low-pressure system north of Rio de Janeiro by Sunday, potentially enabling them to reach the Cape of Good Hope directly.”
Spirits High Amid Close Quarters
Amid the race’s intensity, lighter moments have kept spirits high. Crossing the Equator traditionally involves an offering to King Neptune, and skippers didn’t disappoint. From cider brandy and Calvados to Pip Hare’s humble tea and date cake, these rituals bring levity to the relentless competition.
Clarisse Crémer (L’Occitaine en Provence) and Boris Herrmann (Malizia-Seaexplorer) have emerged as some of the fastest sailors today, with Herrmann pushing hard to ensure he remains within reach of the critical low-pressure system.
Herrmann acknowledged the razor-thin margins:
“It’s going to come down to 50 miles, give or take. It’s a tight call, but every bit of effort counts right now.”
Delays In The Doldrums
While the leaders push south, some skippers are still contending with the unpredictable weather of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans – Wewise), who described his previous encounter with the Doldrums as “nightmarish,” remains cautiously optimistic:
“The Doldrums don’t seem too bad this time, but I’ll breathe easier once I’m fully through them.”
Looking Ahead
With the leaders poised to catch favourable conditions, the fleet’s focus now shifts to maintaining speed and strategy through the South Atlantic. As the Vendée Globe approaches its next key milestone – the Cape of Good Hope – the stage is set for a dramatic showdown, with every decision carrying weighty consequences.
Stay tuned for updates as the skippers tackle the challenges ahead in their quest to circumnavigate the globe.
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