Through the Southern Ocean: Vendée Globe skippers face highs, lows, and repairs

A test of endurance

For Sam Goodchild aboard VULNERABLE, holding seventh place, the race is as much about endurance as speed. Sailing in 15-20 knots of breeze ahead of an approaching ridge of high pressure, Goodchild is acutely aware of the tactical decisions required.

Photo sent from the boat VULNERABLE SG during the Vendee Globe sailing race on December 12, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Sam Goodchild

“The ridge is going to slow us down. It’s one of those things that will compact the fleet,” he said. “But the low-pressure system south of New Zealand is more critical. Weather files predict strong winds and big waves—it’s about trying to outrun it, or risk being overwhelmed.”

Goodchild has taken advantage of calmer conditions to carry out essential repairs, including fixing a hydraulic ram and inspecting his rudders, which were recently repaired in the Indian Ocean.

“I’m really in a ‘get through the Southern Ocean in one piece’ mode,” he explained. “Sail tidily, keep the boat intact, and see where we are at Cape Horn.”

A close contest for Pip Hare

Further back in the fleet, in 15th place, Pip Hare aboard Medallia passed Cape Leeuwin this week, marking a significant milestone in the race. Reflecting on her journey so far, Hare marvelled at the scale of the Vendée Globe.

Photo sent from the boat Medallia during the Vendee Globe sailing race on December 12, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Pip Hare. works

“It’s week five, and we’ve sailed from Les Sables d’Olonne to Australia. The whole thing is immense,” she said.

Hare has been locked in a thrilling battle with French skipper Romain Attanasio (Fortinet – Best Western), with positions shifting multiple times. At one point, a broken tack line forced Hare to briefly slow down, allowing Attanasio to regain the lead.

“It’s a bit of cat and mouse,” she noted. “But it’s great sailing and great competition. The sun is warm today, but that will change as we head south again.”

Weather systems test resilience

While some skippers enjoy lighter winds and make repairs, others face punishing conditions. Damien Seguin (Apicil) experienced a broach in strong winds, resulting in damage that required immediate attention. Behind the leading pack, skippers like Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE, 3rd) and Clarisse Crémer (L’Occitane en Provence, 13th) are navigating just ahead of a weather front, with challenging but fast conditions.

Photo sent from the boat VULNERABLE skipper Thomas Ruyant (FRA) during the Vendee Globe sailing race on December 12, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Thomas Ruyant

At the back of the fleet, Antoine Cornic (Human Immobilier) and Guirec Soudée (Freelance.com) have been repairing damage, with Cornic preparing to climb 10 metres up his mast to fix his mainsail luff track.

Leaders push ahead

At the front, Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) remains the skipper to beat, holding a 200-mile lead over Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA), who has overtaken Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil). Simon’s progress has been hampered by a broken foil, highlighting how even the leaders are not immune to the relentless challenges of this race.

As the Vendée Globe fleet barrels onward towards Cape Horn, the Southern Ocean continues to test every sailor’s skill, endurance, and resilience. Whether battling weather systems, repairing critical equipment, or fighting for position, every skipper knows the race is far from over.