Back to Life, Back to Reality: Cape Horn’s Challenges and a Race to Rio

Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE) was the first of the latest group to cross Cape Horn on December 27 at 17:38:29 UTC. Sharing his elation, Ruyant called it the “border returning to civilisation,” reflecting on the isolation of the Southern Ocean. “An albatross came to play with the boat. Maybe my last for a long time,” he noted wistfully. “I surprised myself for the very first time talking to my boat. It must be the ocean that drives you a little crazy!”

Photo sent from the boat VULNERABLE skipper Thomas Ruyant (FRA) during the Vendee Globe sailing race on December 27, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Thomas Ruyant. Cape Horn

Jérémie Beyou (Charal) and Nico Lunven (HOLCIM-PRB) followed, passing within 15 minutes of each other and 10 hours and 38 minutes after Ruyant. Battling 30-35 knots of wind and towering seas, the trio navigated safely, staying well offshore to avoid the Cape’s notorious conditions.

Photo sent from the boat Charal during the Vendee Globe sailing race on December 28, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Jérémie Beyou. Cape Horn

New challenges ahead

For others still approaching Cape Horn, the situation is no less daunting. Germany’s Boris Herrmann (Malizia Seaexplorer) shared his frustration: “I’ll pass Cape Horn at night, more than 100 miles south of the Cape. A few days ago, there was still a chance to pass closer, but that’s history now.” Meanwhile, Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) in seventh and Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE) in ninth are poised to round soon, keeping the fleet tightly packed.

Photo sent from the boat VULNERABLE SG during the Vendee Globe sailing race on December 28, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Sam Goodchild

At the front of the race, Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA) and Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) are locked in a tactical duel. Positioned 250 nautical miles off the Argentinian coast, they are navigating a complex low-pressure system. Richomme currently leads, taking advantage of slightly better wind conditions. However, Dalin’s optimised boat design for upwind conditions could see him closing the gap as the pair approaches Rio de Janeiro.

It may be lonely out there, but not 100% alone! Cargo ship in the distance! Photo credit: skipper Yoann Richomme. Cargo

“It’s been very intense since passing Cape Horn,” Richomme reported. “I managed to wash for the first time in a month—it felt amazing. It’s small moments like these that reset your mindset and give you energy for what lies ahead.”

Strategic decisions loom

Richomme is targeting the stationary cold front near Cape Frio, aiming to slip through a narrow weather window into the trade winds. “This cold front is a relatively big stake,” he explained. “I’m spending a lot of time studying it.”

Dalin, meanwhile, is focused on leveraging his boat’s strengths in the upcoming close-hauled conditions. As the competition heats up, the fleet’s leaders are acutely aware that small decisions now could yield significant gains—or losses—in the final stages of the race.

A new phase in the race

As the Vendée Globe fleet transitions from the unforgiving Southern Ocean to the warmer waters of the Atlantic, the dynamics of the race are shifting. Skippers are no longer just battling the elements—they’re entering a stage where strategy and endurance are paramount.

Photo sent from the boat Initiatives-Coeur during the Vendee Globe sailing race on December 28, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Sam Davies

With Cape Horn behind them, the sailors are returning “to life, to reality.” But for now, the race is anything but routine. Each decision carries the weight of thousands of nautical miles, and every skipper is fighting for their place in history.