Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) and Seb Simon (Groupe Dubreuil), who have been setting the pace, are bracing for the storm but see an opportunity amidst the chaos. If they can outrun the system’s worst and avoid being trapped in its trailing lighter winds, they stand to gain as much as 200 miles on the chasing pack.
A gamble in the storm
Race weather consultant Christian Dumard confirmed this morning that the storm’s intensity has diminished slightly. However, it remains a formidable challenge, with 50-knot gusts and massive seas still expected.
Dumard explained, “The whole question is whether they will succeed in going fast in very strong winds or whether they will be caught by the light wind coming up behind.”
The answer may not become clear until Saturday, when Dalin and Simon are expected to converge northward with the chasing fleet. If successful, the duo could establish a significant lead over third-placed Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA) and Briton Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE), currently in seventh.
Second-guessing decisions
Richomme, who moved northward to avoid the storm, is beginning to doubt his decision. Speaking on Vendée Live, the French skipper admitted, “At the time, the decision was easy, but now it’s going around in my head. The scenario is starting to turn out rather well for Charlie and Seb. The depression is filling in, and they could get a nice gain.”
Meanwhile, while spared the worst of the storm, the northern pack is still contending with 30-35 knot winds. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm), in ninth, reported encountering gusts of 50 knots last night.
Simon Fisher, a double winner of The Ocean Race, highlighted the relentless effort required to manage these high-performance boats, saying, “A few knots of wind here or there make such a big difference to the speed and power of these boats. These guys deserve so much respect.”
Baptism by fire in the Indian Ocean
As the leaders navigate the monster storm, the skippers entering the Indian Ocean from Cape Agulhas are getting their first taste of the Southern Ocean’s ferocity. Although their storm lacks the intensity faced by the leaders, it serves as a sharp reminder of the challenges ahead.
Technical issues continue to plague the fleet. Boris Herrmann (Malizia-Seaexplorer), currently in 12th, had to stop twice to repair his port foil ram pin, retrieving broken pieces from deep inside the boat. Clarisse Crémer (L’Occitaine en Provence), also lagging behind, faces similar frustrations as she tries to rejoin the battle.
Survival of the fittest
With the fleet spread across a vast expanse of ocean, every decision carries weight, and the difference between risk and reward can define the race. While Dalin and Simon gamble for glory, others prioritise survival, with many more challenges ahead in the Southern Ocean’s relentless gauntlet.
For now, the Indian Ocean’s monsters reign supreme, demanding respect and resilience from every skipper daring to race across its volatile waters.
