Stuck in a Lull
Leading the pack, Thomas Rouillon, Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE), Nicolas Lunven, and Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) have all hit a patch of near-total calm. Their earlier breakaway efforts now seem to have led them into a meteorological trap, with the wind abandoning their sails at the worst possible moment.
Meanwhile, the chasing pack, spread out behind them, is attempting to capitalise on the leaders’ slowdown. But even for those further back, interpreting the weather forecast has become an exercise in frustration.
“The forecast often doesn’t match the actual conditions,” admitted one skipper. “We’re pulling our hair out trying to figure out how best to play this.”
For some, the strategy of slaloming between clouds has paid dividends, delivering occasional bursts of speed. Others, however, have been less fortunate, finding themselves trapped under squalls or struggling with torrential rain.
“I’m fed up. I’ve spent all night under this thing. Impossible to escape,” lamented one sailor. “It’s pouring, but at least I saw it coming.”
Eastern Advantage
To the east, veteran Jean Le Cam and New Zealand’s Conrad Colman (MS Amlin) have chosen a route closer to the African coast. While this option initially brought its share of struggles, the wind has returned for these sailors, giving them a much-needed boost.
Colman shared his relief in a video update, noting that the conditions finally seemed to be aligning in his favour.
“It’s a new day because the wind—the wind is back!”
Their eastern positioning could prove advantageous in the coming days as they prepare to cross the doldrums, the infamous equatorial zone known for its unpredictable wind patterns.
The Road to the Doldrums
At the 3am New Zealand time update, Tu Concames en Finister Amorlax had climbed to third place behind Goodchild and Simon, reflecting the dynamic nature of the fleet’s rankings. Skippers are now setting their sights on a key waypoint: Cape Verde. Most of the fleet is positioned to the west of the islands, setting up for their crossing into the doldrums in the days ahead.
As always in the Vendée Globe, the doldrums represent a significant tactical challenge. With weather systems often defying forecasts, sailors will need to draw on every ounce of experience, patience, and intuition to navigate this next phase successfully.
A Day of Contrasts
For now, Day 8 has been a study in contrasts. While some skippers face maddeningly calm conditions, others are finding their stride, propelled by returning breezes and a dash of optimism. As the fleet inches southward, the true test of strategy and endurance begins to emerge.
The Vendée Globe remains as thrilling as ever, a showcase of resilience and the sailor’s eternal battle with the whims of the sea.
Hashtags for Engagement
#VendeeGlobe #SoloSailing #OceanRacing #SailingLife #AtlanticChallenge #DoldrumsAhead #SailingNZ
