The chase across the North Atlantic
As the fleet edges closer to the finish line, a tight cluster of boats has emerged, fighting for 15th place. Eight skippers have cleared the Azores, riding the edge of a low-pressure system in what has become a tactical showdown. Among them, French sailors Tanguy Le Turquais and Benjamin Ferré are pushing hard, making the most of their daggerboard boats in the tricky North Atlantic conditions.
“It’s fantastic to see them sailing like this,” one skipper remarked over the radio, capturing the spirit of the battle. “There’s Tanguy over there – yoo-hoo!”
Further ahead, Damien Seguin has managed to break slightly away from the pack. With the wind shifting to a long downwind leg, the faster foiling boats now have the chance to pull clear of the traditional daggerboard competitors. However, given the unpredictable weather and residual light-air patches from earlier in the Atlantic ascent, nothing is guaranteed.
Breaking free from the doldrums
The past few days have tested the patience of many sailors. Some were caught in the clutches of an anticyclone for extended periods, struggling with light winds. “Only the third in which I’ve spent three days on this Atlantic ascent. We’re fed up with light airs,” a frustrated skipper commented.
As if to compensate, the weather has now thrown 35 knots of breeze at the fleet, making for an exhilarating yet exhausting ride towards France.
A final push towards Les Sables d’Olonne
The final stretch of the race remains uncertain. The leading pack has largely crossed paths with the worst of the weather, but for those further down the fleet, conditions continue to fluctuate.
Antoine Cornic, currently sitting in 29th place, has just crossed the equator, marking his return to the Northern Hemisphere. “We crossed the equator last night. As usual, a drop for Neptune!” he shared, embracing the long-standing maritime tradition.
Meanwhile, Chinese sailor Jingkun Zhu and Swiss-German skipper Oliver Heer are making the most of the warmer temperatures near Brazil. “Having a shower on board is just fantastic,” Heer joked. “Perfect for a Friday ahead of the weekend.”
The Vendée Globe spirit endures
Despite the grueling conditions, technical setbacks, and the sheer physical and mental toll of solo ocean racing, the camaraderie among skippers remains evident. As they push through their final days at sea, they continue to demonstrate resilience, skill, and a deep love for the sport.
For many of these sailors, finishing the Vendée Globe is as much about personal achievement as it is about rankings. As they navigate the last miles to Les Sables d’Olonne, the excitement continues to build for what has been one of the most thrilling editions of the race in recent memory.
