Rough seas for Southern rookies
In the fleet’s southern contingent, low-pressure systems have wreaked havoc, particularly for three rookie skippers. Guirec Soudée (Freelance) faces damage to his J2 sail, prompting him to consider taking shelter at the Kerguelen Islands for repairs. Similarly, Antoine Cornic (HUMAN Immobilier) has suffered mast track damage, while Tanguy Le Turquais (Lazare) battles sail-related issues.
“The Southern Ocean forecasts are precise in timing, but wind strengths are often underestimated,” notes Vendée Globe weather consultant Basile Rochut. These conditions highlight the harsh realities of this race, testing even the most prepared sailors.
A smoother ride in the north
Meanwhile, the northern skippers have executed a strategy positioning themselves for more direct progress. Veterans like Jean Le Cam (Tout commence en Finistère Armor-lux) and Switzerland’s Alan Roura (Hublot) lead the pack in this group.
“I’m right at the passage of the front, the wind is strengthening, and it feels like war!” says 23-year-old Violette Dorange (Devenir), the race’s youngest competitor. Despite physical strains from two gruelling weeks at sea, Dorange finds the experience both terrifying and exhilarating.
Alan Roura, in 19th place, adds his perspective: “Life on board is still as complicated as ever. The boat is going in all directions—it’s like I need a snorkel just to cope!”
Kiwi resilience
New Zealand’s Conrad Colman (28th) is no stranger to the Vendée Globe’s relentless challenges. After enduring 48 knots in a recent storm, he’s grateful for a brief calm to make crucial repairs. “I’ve had small damage to sails and a broken jockey pole,” he says. “Out here, you’re never operating at 100%.”
Conrad’s video update from today
Conrad has picked up one position to 28th, is the make below he is the red and white boat to the right of the performance block.
A race against the ridge
At the head of the fleet, Dalin and close contenders Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) and Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA) are in a sprint to avoid an expanding high-pressure ridge. If they’re successful, they’ll maintain their significant lead over fourth-placed Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE), whose path may soon be blocked.
“It’s a chase,” says Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ V), a veteran of the race. “We’re all trying to claw back what we can from the leaders.” Bestaven, however, reminds us there’s more to the race than competition. “The moon lit up the ocean last night—it was magnificent. It’s these moments that explain why we’re here.”
Modifications to the Antarctic Exclusion Zone
In a move to enhance safety and strategy, race management has adjusted the Antarctic Exclusion Zone (AEZ) near Campbell Island, over 1,300 km south of New Zealand. Satellite monitoring has confirmed the absence of icebergs in the area, allowing for the fourth modification of the AEZ since the race began.
Hubert Lemonnier, the race director, explains: “Thanks to satellite surveys, we’ve been able to provide skippers with better routing options while keeping them safe from icebergs.”
As Dalin prepares to break into the Pacific, the rest of the fleet continues their struggle with nature’s extremes, showcasing the Vendée Globe’s enduring reputation as the toughest solo sailing race in the world.
