Closing the gap
Charlie Dalin remains the leader, but his advantage has taken a hit. While slowed by lighter winds, his pursuers, Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA) and Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE), have slashed his lead by 200 nautical miles in 36 hours. The gap now stands at 330 miles—a more manageable margin for the hunters in this high-stakes game of catch-up.
Seb Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) retains second place, but the pace of the following group underscores the challenges ahead.
Cape Leeuwin: a historic checkpoint
Dalin crossed the longitude of Cape Leeuwin at 14:12 UTC (2:12am Tuesday NZ time), taking 29 days, 2 hours, and 10 minutes—a near-miss on the record set by Armel Le Cléac’h in 2016. The Cape, named after the Dutch ship Leeuwin (The Lioness) in 1622, marks the second of the race’s iconic three capes, offering little respite as sailors plunge into the unyielding Southern Ocean.
Rookie lessons in a Southern Ocean jungle
The Southern Ocean has been unforgiving to the fleet’s rookies, teaching harsh lessons. Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur – Duo for a Job) vividly described the experience as a chaotic Pac-Man game, where weather systems devour sailors one by one.
“The depression we hit south of South Africa calmed us all down,” Ferré admitted. “We’re the young lions, learning as we go, while veterans like Jean Le Cam are the wise elephants, instinctively avoiding danger.”
Despite the challenges, Ferré’s humour remains intact, and he has adjusted his tactics, veering slightly north to evade the worst conditions.
Pip Hare: thriving in chaos
British sailor Pip Hare continues to impress, steadily closing the gap on Romain Attanasio (FORTINET BEST WESTERN) for 15th place. Hare revels in the extreme conditions, using every moment to master her foiling yacht, Medallia.
“It’s a steep learning curve,” Hare shared. “You can’t train for this. The noise, the G-force, and the constant decision-making—it’s like nothing else. But every mile gained is a victory, and I’m loving the challenge.”
Her determination and enthusiasm underscore the grit required to compete in the world’s toughest solo race.
Relentless pursuit
For Thomas Ruyant and Yoann Richomme, the hunt is on. Navigating in 35-40 knots of wind with towering waves, the duo pushes hard to capitalise on any openings.
“You mustn’t lose the rhythm,” Ruyant emphasised. “Opportunities are rare, and you have to seize them when they come.”
Yet, the weather continues to play its hand. A looming ridge of high pressure threatens to stall the chasers, potentially allowing Dalin and Simon to regain their footing and extend their lead.
The law of the Southern Ocean
The Vendée Globe is a race shaped as much by the sailors’ mettle as by the Southern Ocean’s untamed temperament. As the fleet battles through this vast wilderness, every decision, every gust, and every swell writes a new chapter in this epic adventure.
Stay tuned as the story unfolds, with the drama of the world’s greatest solo sailing race showing no signs of abating.
