Vendée Globe Skippers Push Through Breakages and Brutal Conditions

Critical breakages threaten top placements

Boris Herrmann (Malizia – Seaexplorer), ranked seventh, is also facing difficulties after losing his J2 headsail. “More than 70% of the remaining route is normally done with this sail,” Herrmann explained. Despite efforts to find a workaround with his shore team, the damage jeopardizes his position in the top 10.

The race’s top contenders are not immune to setbacks. Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA), currently in second place, suffered a devastating loss when his J0 headsail halyard lock broke, leaving the sail unusable. With less than five days to the finish, this could severely impact his ability to navigate light winds near the Breton coast.

Photo sent from the boat PAPREC ARKÉA during the Vendee Globe sailing race on December 17, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Yoann Richomme

Leaders hold strong amid disruptions

Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance), the race leader, is projected to finish on Tuesday, maintaining a narrow margin over Richomme. Meanwhile, Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil), in third place, navigates a rising high-pressure ridge but looks set to secure his podium finish by late next week.

Photo sent from the boat Groupe Dubreuil during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 10, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Sébastien Simon

Relief for the chasing pack

2,500 miles behind the leaders, the tightly packed chasing group is finally escaping the chaos of the South Atlantic. Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE) leads this contingent of older generation boats, followed by Jérémie Beyou (Charal), who expressed relief at escaping the squalls and storms.

“I’m happy to finally be out of this zone. It was terrible and very intense. Now I’ve been able to rest a little, it feels good,” said Beyou, who had just repaired a broken foil cylinder rod.

Cabo Frio’s unpredictable fronts

Skippers further back, including Clarisse Crémer (L’Occitane en Provence), are still battling through the Cabo Frio cold front. Despite her challenges with back pain and limited sleep, Crémer remains upbeat.

“I’m super happy. I’ve grown so much between this race and my last Vendée Globe. This journey has been about enjoying the process, and I’ve achieved that,” she shared.

Fleet compression adds to the drama

Strong winds in the South Atlantic are pushing skippers like Giancarlo Pedote (Prysmian) closer to the group ahead, while high-pressure ridges are causing further compression across the fleet. The race’s unpredictability remains a defining feature as skippers battle shifting weather systems and lingering technical issues.

Photo sent from the boat Prysmian during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 10, 2025. Photo credit: skipper Giancarlo Pedote

Southern fleet advances

At the back of the pack, skippers near Cape Horn are finally clear of ice warnings and storm systems. With reduced risks, they can focus on advancing up the Atlantic.

The final push

As the Vendée Globe enters its closing stages, the competition remains fierce, with skippers facing both personal and technical hurdles. With days of racing still ahead and the finish line tantalizingly close, the world’s toughest solo sailors continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination.