The Vendée Globe’s final frontier: battling storms and damage in the North Atlantic

A history of last-leg drama

The North Atlantic leg has historically tested the mettle of Vendée Globe skippers. From Conrad Colman finishing under jury rig in 2016-17 to Javier Sanso capsizing in the Azores in 2013, the route has claimed its share of high-stakes drama. Even finishing under extreme conditions, like Mike Golding’s keel-less arrival in 2004, remains a badge of honour among Vendée sailors.

This year is no different, with several skippers battling against the odds to bring their boats home.

Current struggles: Goodchild’s mainsail battle

British skipper Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE) has had his hopes of a fourth-place finish dashed by a torn mainsail. After two involuntary gybes, his sail ripped from top to bottom at the third reef. Goodchild is now painstakingly gluing and patching the sail, a race against time and conditions.

Photo sent from the boat VULNERABLE SG during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 20, 2025. Photo credit: skipper Sam Goodchild

“I’ve accepted that the Vendée Globe won’t end as I hoped,” Goodchild remarked. “It’s damage limitation now—I just want to get my boat back in one piece.”

Goodchild’s setback has dropped him to seventh, as Nico Lunven (HOLCIM PRB) and Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) battle for fifth and sixth positions.

Stormy seas and technical challenges

The fleet is navigating waves as high as eight metres, with a stationary depression over Portugal complicating weather forecasts. Paul Meilhat compared the turbulent conditions to viewing a raging sea from land—except this time, he was in the thick of it.

“The weather models don’t agree, making it difficult to plan. We’re just trying to progress cautiously and make it to Les Sables-d’Olonne,” Meilhat said.

Photo sent from the boat Biotherm during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 21, 2025. Photo credit: skipper Paul Meilhat

Christian Dumard, the race’s weather consultant, expects the leading group, including Jérémie Beyou and Thomas Ruyant, to finish between Thursday evening and Saturday evening. However, with damaged foils, missing sails, and malfunctioning autopilots, the sailors face significant hurdles.

A test of endurance

As the race nears its conclusion, the North Atlantic is once again proving its status as the ultimate test of endurance, skill, and resilience. For these sailors, it’s not just about crossing the finish line—it’s about overcoming the sea’s relentless challenges and writing their names in Vendée Globe history.

The countdown to the finish is on, and while the end is in sight, the journey is far from over.