Some skippers are better than others at switching off critical brain functions, trusting their instincts, and simply letting their IMOCA 60s go fast. When every fibre of their being tells them to ease off the throttle, the best sailors maintain life on the absolute edge for longer. Over time, they normalise the chaos. What once felt reckless becomes routine.

For many competitors in the Vendée Globe, this transformation happens gradually. What seemed unbearable two months ago – 35 knots of wind and towering seas – now feels like another day at the office. Yet, there’s always the fundamental equation in offshore racing: the faster you go, the more stress and fatigue you endure, but the sooner you get home. And as the fleet nears the finish line, that drive to reach port is overriding every other concern.

Jean Le Cam: The master of experience

Jean Le Cam, aboard Tout Commence en Finistère – Armor-lux, currently holding 20th position, encapsulates this philosophy. With decades of experience, he knows when to push and when to let go.

“There are between 30 and 38 knots, it is not very comfortable. What’s to come? I lie down on my bunk, close my ears, and let time pass! When you sleep, at least you don’t think – there’s not much to do. I hit a peak at 28 knots, that is big. I do not have a J2, but for those who have a J2, it must have been even more horrible!”

His tone may sound relaxed, but his reality is anything but. Every decision, every moment of rest is calculated, ensuring that when it matters most, he can push the boat to its limits.

Damien Seguin: Full throttle to the finish

While some, like Le Cam, prioritise preservation, others are still in all-out racing mode. Damien Seguin, aboard Groupe APICIL and currently 15th, is flying. In the last 24 hours, he has covered 446 nautical miles.

After a minor tactical adjustment to the north, Seguin is now perfectly positioned to catch the incoming weather system that will propel him into the Bay of Biscay. But he’s not alone. Hot on his heels are Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur – Duo for a Job, 16th), Alan Roura (Hublot, 17th), and Tanguy Le Turquais (Lazare, 18th). The fight for places is as intense as ever, with these sailors pushing their machines to the limit.

Giancarlo Pedote: Managing risk and reward

For Italy’s Giancarlo Pedote, aboard Prysmian, the situation is different. Currently in 22nd place, he is watching the mid-fleet group escape ahead of him, but his boat is not in a condition to join the fight. His fragile rudder system limits his ability to push hard, forcing a difficult mental shift from racing to simply finishing.

“Every time I accelerate too much, something happens with my rudder. It is tired, I have to accept that. I prefer not to push too much and just want to finish in Les Sables d’Olonne. My state of mind is changing; I am really starting to feel that the end is coming.”

For a Vendée Globe sailor, managing the fine line between ambition and survival is part of the challenge. Pedote has recognised that pushing beyond his boat’s limits could mean jeopardising everything, so he is adjusting his approach accordingly.

Violette Dorange: The youngest skipper embraces the moment

At just 22 years old, Violette Dorange (Devenir) has already proven herself among the world’s best offshore sailors. Currently in 25th place, she has left the trade winds behind and is transitioning into the final stretch of her first Vendée Globe.

“I think I’m still tired. The fact of never sleeping in a long nap just builds the fatigue. I have never felt lonely from start to finish, just a little missing my family, but not the feeling of being alone in the world! Sometimes I get a little bored, often when the conditions are difficult and I can’t move in my boat, like these last few days when I was forced to stay inside. But I tell myself that it’s the end of the race, I have to make the most of it. I’m already nostalgic, telling myself that it will soon be over. It has been incredible!”

Her words capture the raw emotion of this race. The Vendée Globe is an endurance test, but it is also a deeply personal journey. Many sailors, even the veterans, talk about the inevitable mixed feelings as they near the finish. Relief, pride, exhaustion, and nostalgia all come into play.

The final push

With the finish line drawing closer, every sailor in the fleet is battling their own demons. Some are still pushing for positions, testing their limits to the very last mile. Others are holding their boats together, knowing they are only a few days from completing one of the world’s most gruelling challenges.

For those watching, it is a reminder of what makes the Vendée Globe so compelling. It is not just about speed or tactics, but about resilience, instinct, and the unbreakable spirit of solo ocean racing.