Leaders Ride the System

At the head of the fleet, Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) is setting the bar high and fast, harnessing the power of a fast-moving depression to stay ahead. Clocking speeds that would make even seasoned offshore sailors gasp, Dalin continues to hold his position, while his closest rival, Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil), trails by 90 nautical miles.

“The depression is pushing us to keep up this pace,” Simon explained. “It’s tough mentally and physically, but that’s the nature of this race.” The leaders will soon gybe southward, skirting the Antarctic Exclusion Zone (AEZ) while attempting to maintain their advantage.

Antarctic Exclusion Zone Adjustments

In a move to optimise safety and strategy, Race Management has shifted the AEZ southward by nearly 100 miles to the Crozet archipelago. This adjustment shortens the fleet’s theoretical route and allows skippers to exploit the southerly depressions better.

Fabien Delahaye from Race Management explained, “The initial AEZ was based on satellite data showing iceberg presence. New imagery confirms the zone can safely be reduced, which gives skippers more tactical freedom.”

For many skippers, this adjustment is a welcome relief. Sébastien Simon added, “This change allows us to start the Indian Ocean well, but most of us are just focused on surviving the current pace.”

Pressure Mounts in the Middle Fleet

While the front-runners embrace their breakneck speeds, those further back are feeling the strain. Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée) expressed frustration at missing the leaders’ tailwinds, describing conditions as turbulent and unpredictable. Meanwhile, Pip Hare (Medallia), currently 16th, battled a night of calamitous weather that saw her stuck beneath a rogue cloud system for over four hours.

“I felt so dumb,” Hare confessed. “But this race is about resilience. You learn to adapt, fix issues, and move forward.” Between rebuilding a winch and maintaining pressure on close rival Damien Seguin, Hare epitomises the grit needed to tackle the Vendée Globe.

Gearing Up for the Southern Ocean

As the fleet approaches the Cape of Good Hope, the gateway to the formidable Southern Ocean, skippers are bracing for even tougher conditions. The Southern Ocean is infamous for its towering waves, icy waters, and unrelenting winds, making it a decisive phase of the race.

For now, the leaders are riding the depression, knowing that any misstep could cost them dearly. Behind them, the chasing pack clings to the hope of catching the next low-pressure system. But as cracks in the fleet widen into chasms, it’s clear that every mile gained now will pay dividends in the race’s later stages.

Race at a Glance:

• Leader: Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance).
• Speed: Fleet leaders are averaging over 20 knots, covering 500+ miles daily.
• Challenges: Mental and physical strain, technical repairs, and strategic navigation around the AEZ.
• Next Milestone: Cape of Good Hope, where the Southern Ocean begins.

The Vendée Globe is living up to its reputation as the ultimate test of human endurance and sailing expertise. With the leaders setting a relentless pace and the fleet spread thin, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they charge towards the challenges of the Southern Ocean.