Leaders on the move
The light wind interlude, while frustrating, provided Dalin and Richomme with an opportunity to recharge and inspect their boats for the gruelling final stretch. As southeasterly trade winds strengthen, speeds are climbing, shifting the focus to straight-line boat performance.
Vendée Globe weather consultant Basile Rochut predicts continued acceleration:
“The speeds will increase, and the battle will intensify as conditions stabilise.”
Dalin and Richomme remain locked in a close contest, with Richomme aiming to close the gap further as they head toward the Northern Hemisphere.
Simon eyes the podium
Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) continues his impressive performance in 3rd place. Armed with a proven boat that previously won The Ocean Race, Simon is consolidating his position as he pulls away from 4th-placed Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE).
Ruyant, however, is battling significant setbacks, including a damaged mainsail and J2 headsail, which are critical for the upwind climb through the Atlantic. His lead over the chasing pack has shrunk dramatically, adding pressure as he navigates the challenges ahead.
Struggles in the chasing pack
The skippers vying for positions between 5th and 10th are enduring brutal conditions in a depression marked by squalls, gusts, and short seas. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) captured the mood:
“It’s complicated and nerve-wracking. I haven’t slept for 36 hours. Every manoeuvre carries risks, and planning ahead feels impossible.”
Despite the challenges, this group is focused on escaping the depression and making progress northward.
Cape Horn: A symbolic milestone
Further back, skippers like Romain Attanasio (Fortinet-Best Western) and Damien Seguin (Groupe APICIL) have recently rounded Cape Horn, savouring the moment as a symbolic triumph.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen it so clearly. It feels so good!” said Attanasio, who marked the occasion by singing Eddy Mitchell’s La Dernière Session.
More skippers, including veteran Jean Le Cam (Tout commence en Finistère), are expected to round the Horn in the coming days, facing strong winds as they continue their ascent.
Icebergs and reflections
The fleet has left the iceberg zone behind, but skippers are still processing their encounters with these frozen giants. For Conrad Colman (MS Amlin), the experience was both daunting and awe-inspiring, as he captured footage of the ice with his drone.
Meanwhile, Sam Davies (Initiatives Cœur) remains upbeat, focusing on the joy of competing:
“The race isn’t over, and I’m happy to be on my boat, making the most of this incredible experience.”
A thrilling finish ahead
With the leaders accelerating and conditions stabilising, the Vendée Globe is entering its final stages. The excitement builds as records could fall, rivalries heat up, and the skippers continue to overcome the immense challenges of this legendary race.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and stories from the race as the fleet heads toward the finish.
