Icebergs, Injuries, and Intense Battles: The Vendée Globe Unfolds

Icebergs in the Pacific

Oliver Heer (30th) sent a stark warning after spotting an iceberg north of the ice exclusion zone. While the iceberg was at a safe distance, it serves as a reminder of the hidden perils of the Southern Ocean. Jingkun Xu (32nd) and Antoine Cornic (31st) are now on high alert as they follow in his path.

Photo sent from the boat HUMAN Immobilier during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 07, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Antoine Cornic

Leaders extend their lead

At the front, Charlie Dalin (1st) continues to dominate, stretching his lead over Yoann Richomme (2nd) to 167 miles. Dalin, navigating the trade winds, maintained speeds over four knots faster than Richomme. Sébastien Simon (3rd) is the fastest in the leading trio but remains too far behind to challenge the top two.

Photo sent from the boat Groupe Dubreuil during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 07, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Sébastien Simon

The leaders are now preparing to transition from the trade winds into the North Atlantic’s volatile winter weather systems—a critical phase that could decide the race.

Tactical split in the chasing group

The mid-fleet battle remains intense, with seven boats spread over 700 miles and adopting varying strategies. Paul Meilhat (8th) and Nicolas Lunven (9th) took an eastern route around the St. Helena high pressure system, avoiding calms but taking a longer path. Meanwhile, Justine Mettraux (10th) and Jérémie Beyou (4th) remain closer to the Brazilian coast.

Photo sent from the boat TeamWork – Team Snef during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 06, 2025 – Photo credit: skipper Justine Mettraux

“There are tricky conditions ahead, and a lot of games to play before Les Sables d’Olonne,” said Meilhat, expressing confidence in his strategy.

Physical and technical challenges

Clarisse Crémer (12th) endured a painful setback when a shoulder injury caused her to faint during a storm.

Photo sent from the boat L’Occitane en Provence during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 07, 2025. Photo credit: skipper Clarisse Crémer

“The pain was so intense that I had a black veil, sweat, nausea… it was really not practical in 35 knots and a horrible sea,” Crémer shared.

After medical advice and medication, Crémer is recovering but remains cautious, describing the vulnerability sailors face in such isolated conditions.

Eric Bellion (27th) faced a harrowing situation when the J2 stay holding his mast broke. Racing against time and weather, Bellion managed a temporary fix after a tense 24-hour ordeal near Cape Horn.

“It was a total nightmare… but I’m happy because my boat is 100% ready for the Atlantic.”

Cape Horn and beyond

At the back of the fleet, Benjamin Ferré (20th) rounded Cape Horn for the first time under stormy conditions, while others, including Violette Dorange (28th), are slowing to avoid a looming depression with winds of up to 50 knots.

With each skipper facing unique challenges, the Vendée Globe remains a powerful test of endurance, skill, and resilience. As the leaders approach the North Atlantic and backmarkers battle storms, the race showcases the unyielding spirit of its competitors.

Stay tuned as the world’s toughest solo race reaches its final chapters.