Battle for the lead
Charlie Dalin aboard MACIF Santé Prévoyance holds a razor-thin lead over Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA), with just 4.6 nautical miles separating them. Sébastien Simon trails closely, making it a tightly packed trio vying for dominance. While Dalin has experience in these waters from his previous Vendée Globe, this is new territory for Richomme and Simon.
For Simon, this leg is especially poignant. Four years ago, he suffered a race-ending collision with debris near the Crozet Islands, forcing him to retire. This year, Simon is not just back but thriving, having significantly elevated his performance.
“The level is quite similar to the races we’ve had before,” Richomme commented. “Seb has really lifted his game recently—it’s a big progression.”
Storm ahead
As the leaders chart their course, they must contend with a light wind transition zone before the arrival of a major depression midweek. Richomme outlined his strategy, aiming to sneak through the zone efficiently: “The goal is to avoid slowing too much so we’re not in the wrong position for the approaching storm. Small differences in routing now could lead to significant gaps later.”
Adding to the uncertainty is the storm’s unpredictable intensity and trajectory. Skippers must decide whether to play it safe or gamble for a more advantageous position—decisions that could shape the race’s next phase.
December 02 radio session with Yoann Richomme
Malizia on the move
Further back in the fleet, Boris Herrmann on Malizia Seaexplorer is making a charge. After a slow start, Herrmann is clocking speeds of 22 knots, cutting into the gap to the leaders. With consistent progress, Herrmann appears poised to break into the top ten soon.
In contrast, conditions for some skippers remain frustratingly slow. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) languishes at two knots in light winds, while Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE) struggles to maintain ten knots.
Denis van Weynbergh’s uncharted waters
Belgian skipper Denis Van Weynbergh is embracing his first Vendée Globe experience with humour and resilience. Having now been at sea solo longer than ever before, he reflects on the adventure:
“It’s the first time I’ve been at sea for this long. The boat is doing well, I’m feeling good, and everything is in order. So far, it hasn’t been too difficult. We’ve had stable conditions, plenty of sun, and not much wind—until now.”
December 02 radio session with Denis Van Weynbergh
As he enters the Southern Ocean, Van Weynbergh acknowledges the shift in mood: “It’s grey, it’s raining, and it’s getting colder. But I feel ready for what’s to come.”
