Both leaders are racing at over 25 knots, navigating tight angles as they approach the latitude of Brazil and Uruguay. Richomme maintains a narrow lead but acknowledges the challenges ahead, with just over 6,000 miles remaining to the finish in Les Sables d’Olonne.
Challenges for the chasing group
While the leaders enjoy favourable conditions, the chasing pack struggles in light winds caused by a high-pressure system. Jérémie Beyou (Charal) and Nico Lunven (HOLCIM-PRB) are locked in a close battle, separated by just a few miles. Similarly, Boris Herrmann (Malizia Seaexplorer) and Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) race within striking distance of each other.
With podium hopes dimming, the group is banking on a weather shakeup, such as a Doldrums slowdown or a blocking high-pressure system near Biscay, to close the gap on the leaders.
Bestaven’s race hangs in the balance
For Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ), the race has taken a challenging turn. Struggling with critical steering issues, he is sailing in “safe mode” at reduced speeds toward Cape Horn. Bestaven reflected on his challenges during Vendée LIVE!:
“This is a big problem. My boat is unsteerable in 30 knots of wind and 5-metre waves. I’ve set up a temporary system to reach Cape Horn, but I don’t know what’s next. Cape Horn is not the finish line.”
Bestaven’s current situation echoes his abandonment of the race in 2008, presenting a tough emotional and physical test.
Mettraux embraces the Atlantic
Justine Mettraux (TeamWork-Team Senf) celebrated her first solo rounding of Cape Horn and shared her reflections on leaving the Southern Ocean behind.
“It’s already a satisfaction to get here. We’ve covered more than two-thirds of the course, and there’s a reassuring side to getting back into the Atlantic.”
Mettraux highlighted the stark contrasts between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and welcomed the psychological shift as the fleet transitions to a more familiar sailing rhythm.
The road ahead
As the fleet moves into the transatlantic phase, strategic decisions will define the coming weeks. For the leaders, the choice of how to approach Cabo Frio’s semi-stationary cold front looms large, while the chasing pack looks for opportunities to regain lost ground.
The Vendée Globe remains an unpredictable and grueling test of skill, endurance, and strategy. With thousands of miles still to cover, the race is far from over.
