A safer, longer route north
Yannick Bestaven, the reigning Vendée Globe champion aboard Maître CoQ V, described the decision-making process as “complicated.” The fleet faces two main options: a dangerous, direct path south or a safer, longer route to the north. Weather consultant Christian Dumard weighed in, concluding that heading north is the only viable option.
“All the solo sailors will logically pass to the north of the system,” Dumard explained. “To go lower in latitude, they would suffer stronger winds and seas and find themselves upwind at some point.”
While this decision may add up to 500 nautical miles to the course, it spares sailors from potentially devastating 65-knot gusts and 10-metre waves.
Leaders brace for impact
For the leading trio—Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance), Yoann Richomme (PAPREC-ARKEA), and Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil)—options are limited. As the depression widens, they are likely to face its harshest conditions.
Behind them, sailors like Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE), Jérémie Beyou (Charal), and Nicolas Lunven (Holcim – PRB) still have a chance to escape by moving north. Bestaven, who is also positioned slightly further back, summarised the dilemma: “We will still get 40-45 knots, which is strong but manageable compared to what the leaders might face.”
Preparing for the storm
Preparation is paramount for the skippers as they gear up for the heavy weather. “Today is the boat inspection day,” Bestaven said, explaining his strategy of securing everything onboard and setting smaller sails.
Alan Roura (Hublot), who is positioned further back, reflected on the universality of the challenge. “We are all in the same boat,” he remarked. “For us, rounding the Cape of Good Hope is really not going to be easy.”
Boris Herrmann crosses Cape of Good Hope
Germany’s Boris Herrmann, aboard Malizia Seaexplorer, crossed the longitude of the Cape of Good Hope in 12th position before advancing to 11th shortly after. Reflecting on his experience in the Agulhas current, Herrmann acknowledged the complexity of balancing speed with safety.
“The sea state through the Agulhas current has been difficult,” Herrmann said. “I’m trying to stick to the fast easterly option, but I’m taking it step by step because the scenario changes a lot.”
Despite the challenges, Herrmann expressed optimism about getting into the rhythm of the southern oceans. “The real Vendée Globe has started,” he said. “This month of December is about making it all the way to Cape Horn for the first of January.”
