Cape Horn Triumphs
For many skippers, passing Cape Horn is a defining moment, and Swiss-German sailor Oliver Heer (Tut gut) could hardly contain his excitement as he rounded the iconic landmark for the first time.
“I’ve always thought about Cape Horn since I was sailing my Optimist on Lake Zurich, so to have crossed it is just fantastic,” Heer shared. “The approach was rock and roll with 50 knots of wind and a rough sea state, but now conditions are calmer, and I’m ready for the Atlantic!”
Meanwhile, JingKun Xu (Singchain Team Haiku) is set to pass Cape Horn tomorrow, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
Overcoming Challenges
In 16th place, Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur – DUO For a JOB) continues to battle the elements and technical issues, recently climbing his mast to address a problem. Despite the hardships, his morale remains high.
“Every minute must be savoured. I’ve been in warrior mode, thinking, ‘What’s the next challenge?’ This is what the Vendée Globe is all about.”
Ferré’s reflection captures the bittersweet nature of the race, as he recognizes the unique experience will soon come to an end.
The Battle in the Peloton
The race for positions between 4th and 10th remains intense. Jérémie Beyou (Charal) leads Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE) by just 17 miles as they navigate lighter winds in a high-pressure zone. Meanwhile, Justine Mettraux (TeamWork-Team Snef) climbed to 8th place, capitalizing on tactical shifts that pushed Boris Herrmann (Malizia Seaexplorer) and Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE) further west.
The Spirit of the Vendée Globe
The Vendée Globe is more than a race—it’s a journey of resilience, growth, and achievement. Whether celebrating victories on land or overcoming challenges at sea, the skippers exemplify the endurance and courage that make this event one of the most revered in the sailing world.
As the fleet continues its journey home, the stories of triumph, struggle, and camaraderie remind us why the Vendée Globe holds such a special place in the hearts of sailors and fans alike.
