Pushing the limits at Cape Leeuwin
Cape Leeuwin, the second of the Vendée Globe’s three major capes, has become a milestone for ten skippers, including Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) and former champion Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ V). The race is marked by strikingly narrow margins, such as the mere 51-minute gap between Charal and HOLCIM PRB after over a month of intense competition.
Charlie Dalin, the fleet’s consistent leader, is just hours away from exiting the Indian Ocean, maintaining a steady lead over Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil). Simon’s impressive pace despite his damaged starboard foil is a testament to his resilience.
A brief reprieve for some
The high-pressure ridge forecasted earlier in the week has caught up with a group of four skippers, including Boris Herrmann (Malizia Seaexplorer) and Justine Mettraux (TeamWork-Team Snef). The slowdown provided a rare opportunity for repairs and self-care.
“We were slowed down for several hours,” Mettraux shared. “I took the chance to check the boat, listen to music, and catch my breath. These moments are rare in the Southern Ocean.”
Despite the lull, the fleet braces for renewed pressure as stronger winds push from behind, promising to shake up the pack once again.
Battling the Indian Ocean’s chaos
Further back, Benjamin Dutreux (Guyot Environnement-Water Family), Romain Attanasio (FORTINET Best Western), and Pip Hare (Medallia) remain locked in a battle against chaotic, storm-lashed seas. Attanasio described the conditions as a relentless “washing machine,” forcing skippers to strike a delicate balance between speed and safety.
“The sea is in all directions, making it impossible to go fast without risking damage,” said Attanasio. “It’s a fight, but that’s the Vendée—progressing well is what matters most.”
Bold moves in the south
China’s JingKun Zu (Singchain Team Haikou), racing in his first Vendée Globe, has climbed to 34th place thanks to a bold southern route. Despite contending with 30 to 51-knot winds and towering waves, Zu is proud of his progress and his sail management.
“I chose the southern route for its shorter distance and less frequent adjustments,” Zu explained. “After one month, all my sails are still in perfect condition, which is a point of pride.”
Zu’s cautious approach highlights the delicate balance skippers must strike between aggressive racing and safeguarding their boats for the long haul.
The essence of the Vendée
As the fleet edges closer to the Pacific, the Vendée Globe continues to showcase its unique blend of punishing conditions, strategic sailing, and the human spirit’s resilience. From Dalin’s tactical mastery to Mettraux’s moments of calm reflection and Attanasio’s gritty determination, the race is as much about endurance as it is about speed.
This is the essence of the Vendée Globe—a test of skill, strategy, and sheer grit on one of the most unforgiving stages the natural world can offer. For now, all eyes are on Charlie Dalin as he prepares to lead the fleet into the vast Pacific, where even greater challenges await.
