A Calm Start, But the Real Race Begins
On MACSF, Isabelle reflects on the emotional first day, a sentimental farewell transformed by the call of competition. Now, as the fleet surges forward, the skippers communicate over VHF, calling out gybes as they manoeuvre through the Atlantic’s varying winds. As Sam Goodchild on VULNERABLE remarks, “The regatta has already resumed and we’re all going full speed ahead.” The fleet remains tight-knit, with only 60 miles separating the lead boat, MACIF Santé Prévoyance, helmed by Charlie Dalin, from the last vessel, Singchain Team Haikou, with Jingkun Xu.
Navigating such close quarters requires extra vigilance, and Samantha Davies on Initiatives-Coeur confirms there were some “close calls” during the night. “It really wasn’t easy finding wind in the first few hours,” adds Benjamin Dutreux from GUYOT Environnement – Water Family, a lunchtime guest on Vendée Live, the race’s daily update show.
A Touch of Magic in the Night
Despite the competitive intensity, the first evening offered moments of tranquillity and awe. Nicolas Lunven on Holcim-PRB captured the moonlight reflecting on his foils, and Sébastien Simon from Groupe Dubreuil noted that “there was still a bit of magic” in the air. Pip Hare on Medallia described a “spectacular and clear night,” with distant boat lights dotting the horizon. HUMAN Immobilier’s Antoine Cornic marvelled, “We’re making progress downwind, which is quite remarkable at this time of year.”
Newcomer Benjamin Ferré jokingly noted he was able to “put the top down on the convertible” before dawn brought clear skies. “This morning, I woke up with Tout Commence en Finistère to windward, and Fortinet – Best Western just behind.” For Denis Van Weynbergh on D’Ieteren Group, the scene was an ideal backdrop for breakfast: “I’ll have some coffee and toast with jam to make the most of it.”
Ready for a Test of Endurance on Night Two
After an evening of smooth sailing, the fleet is now preparing for the challenges the second-night promises. A few have already faced some technical issues – Malizia-Seaexplorer’s Boris Herrmann had trouble with a keel ram, while Conrad Colman’s MS Amlin faced an electronic blackout. Maxime Sorel on V and B – Monbana – Mayenne patched a tear on his large gennaker, and both Denis Van Weynbergh and Benjamin Ferré experienced challenging manoeuvres during the night.
With Cape Finisterre looming, every skipper has studied the weather files in preparation. Basile Rochut, the Vendée Globe’s weather consultant, advises, “The wind will be strong, with gusts reaching 40 knots.” This powerful weather front promises to be the race’s first “sporting zone” and will likely keep the sailors on edge throughout the night.
A Strategic Decision Point at the DST
As they approach Cape Finisterre, the fleet faces a critical decision: pass west of the DST (traffic separation scheme) or opt for the more challenging eastward route, which runs closer to the coast. The latter presents a more direct path but with increased risk. Denis Van Weynbergh has tentatively chosen the coastal route, saying, “If we’re careful, I think we can pass between the land and the DST.” Sam Goodchild, however, remains undecided, assessing both options carefully.
Goodchild acknowledges the dangers posed by the approaching winds. “Cape Finisterre is a sensitive passage. It’ll be brief, but the wind will be strong,” he says. Youngest skipper Violette Dorange on Devenir plans to lower her spinnaker once the wind reaches 20 knots, taking no chances: “The wind here can come in very strong, especially early in the race.”
With the race well and truly underway, the fleet descends into the Atlantic, the intensity of the competition mounting as the boats close in on one another. Weather consultant Basile Rochut foresees “little distance separating the boats,” setting the stage for a thrilling and relentless battle down the Atlantic coast.
Follow the Fleet’s Progress and Stay Updated with Boating New Zealand
Keep up with the latest race updates as our dedicated skippers navigate the highs and lows of this challenging journey. Follow Boating New Zealand for regular insights, breaking news, and more in-depth coverage of the adventure. This leg promises excitement, strategy, and the raw power of the ocean – don’t miss a moment.
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