The Vendée Globe fleet is sailing southward into warmer waters on this fourth day of their journey around the world. Arnaud Boissières, aboard La Mie Câline, let us know how much the temperature shift and gentler winds are lifting spirits, giving skippers a brief reprieve from the relentless challenges they faced in the initial leg of the race. “This slower pace is doing our minds and bodies a lot of good,” Boissières said, capturing the mood of sailors taking a moment to recharge in the sun-filled day.
In terms of the fleet’s progress, the current leaderboard shows a familiar trio of frontrunners: Nicolas Lunven (Holcim – PRB), Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa), and Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable). These three have formed quite a strong leader-pack today after a day of back-and-forth positioning, with Richomme noting that it was a “surprise” to find himself leading after a complicated night filled with unpredictable rainclouds that temporarily slowed his pace. Early this morning, Richomme held a slight lead, followed closely by Lunven, just two nautical miles behind, and Goodchild, pressing close to make his move.
In these lighter, unstable winds, the skippers are adjusting their tactics and taking advantage of every gust to maintain their momentum south. For those further back, the easing of the trade winds could mean improved conditions as they enter a part of the course still holding more vigorous breezes. This lagging fleet, including Violette Dorange (DeVenir) and Kiwi sailor Conrad Colman (MS Amlin), who had taken an easterly course around Madeira to address technical issues on board, now stands to gain as they chase the slackening trade winds that challenge the frontrunners.
I will drop a more detailed update on Conrad when he checks into Boating NZ later this morning.
One of the biggest stories from the race so far has been Thomas Ruyant aboard Vulnerable. Despite a minor leak that required immediate attention, Ruyant is “holding his own,” showing resilience in the face of setbacks. Each skipper remains vigilant and cautious, knowing that as the weather changes, so do the race’s demands. With trade winds weakening ahead, forecasting and route planning will play critical roles in determining how each skipper manages the next few days.
The standings continue to be dynamic, shifting with every update. At the 3 a.m. NZT check-in today, the rankings reflect a close match, with many skippers vying for advantageous positions as they approach the first major transition in weather patterns since the start. These conditions favour those who read the wind well, adjusting course minute-by-minute to take the most efficient path southward.
The Vendée Globe remains a test of endurance, and as the skippers push on, the journey promises more challenges and surprises in the days to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as the fleet approaches the equatorial region. #VendeeGlobe2024 #OceanRacing #SoloSailing #ArnaudBoissières #NicolasLunven #YoannRichomme #SamGoodchild #ThomasRuyant #ConradColman #SailingLife
