A tense wait for the next arrivals
Tonight will see Herrmann and Davies navigate their final miles through the turbulent Bay of Biscay, where a complex weather pattern is forcing them to make strategic tacks to reach the line. Vendée Globe weather consultant Basile Rochut explains,
“The low-pressure centre is moving down to the south-east, which means close-hauled sailing and may force them to tack until the finish.”
Both skippers have reduced their speed to around 10 knots, meaning Herrmann is expected to arrive this evening, followed by Davies early tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, in 14th place, Romain Attanasio (Fortinet – Best Western) is poised to latch onto the same weather system that will propel him towards Les Sables d’Olonne. Attanasio, known for his resilience in challenging conditions, could use this system as a slingshot to gain ground on the leaders ahead.
For those waiting in Les Sables d’Olonne, anticipation is building. Thousands of supporters, braving intermittent squalls and gale-force winds, are gathering at the famous channel entrance to welcome the skippers home. The iconic passage into port, lined with fans waving flags and cheering, remains one of the most emotional moments of the Vendée Globe.
Mid-fleet fight to the finish
While Herrmann and Davies approach the finish, the intensity among the mid-fleet skippers has reached new heights. Less than 100 miles separate Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur – Duo for a Job) in 15th place from Jean Le Cam (Tout commence en Finistère – Armor Lux) in 22nd.
Ferré, currently locked in a battle with Tanguy Le Turquais (Lazare, 21st), expressed his excitement:
“This level of intensity is exceptional, especially a few days before the finish and after a full round-the-world race! I, who dream of doing the Solitaire du Figaro, feel like I’m experiencing it now in the Vendée Globe! We have a battle that is going to be close right to the end.”
With four foilers and four straight daggerboard boats in this group, the contrast in design philosophy is on full display. Among the foilers, Swiss skipper Alan Roura (Hublot) is engaged in a gripping duel with Isabelle Joschke (MACSF), setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
Roura, who has faced his fair share of challenges this race, remarked:
“This battle is completely crazy! It spices things up until the end. We all want to fight for this 15th place. Starting tomorrow, the wind will pick up, and it’s going to be a challenge. I’m very happy to be back in this group.”
For Roura and the rest of the skippers, every tactical decision now is critical. As they push their boats to the limit, optimising performance based on changing wind patterns and sea conditions, it’s clear that no position is guaranteed until the final few miles.
Tough conditions for the backmarkers
While the front-runners are making their final push, the skippers at the back of the fleet are still battling through treacherous conditions in the South Atlantic. Manuel Cousin (Coup de Pouce, 32nd), Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans-Wewise, 33rd), and Denis Van Weynbergh (D’Ieteren Group, 34th) are all navigating an unsettled storm system, adding to the gruelling nature of this race.
Further ahead, Chinese sailor Jingkun Xu (Singchain Team Haikou, 31st) is making the most of his race experience, marking Chinese New Year at sea. In a heartfelt message, he wished everyone a
“smooth, harmonious year and excellent health”
as the Year of the Snake begins. His ability to embrace the cultural significance of the moment while battling the ocean’s challenges is a testament to the spirit of the Vendée Globe.
The final countdown
With just a handful of skippers left to cross the line, the Vendée Globe remains as gripping as ever. The unpredictable nature of offshore racing means that anything can happen, and positions can still shift before the final arrivals.
As we await the next finishers, the sheer endurance and determination of these sailors continue to inspire. From Herrmann and Davies closing in on Les Sables d’Olonne to the high-stakes battles in the mid-fleet, this edition of the Vendée Globe is delivering a spectacle that won’t soon be forgotten.
For those following the race closely, stay tuned for updates as we count down the final moments of the world’s toughest solo sailing race.
