Rivalries and resilience: Vendée Globe’s challenges continue

Dalin widens the gap

Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) extended his lead over Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA) to 197 miles as they approach the Azores high-pressure system. While Richomme may gain some ground during the transition, Dalin’s consistent speeds of over 17 knots keep him firmly in control.

“The race is still long,” Dalin remarked. “I’m taking this time to recover and prepare for the high-pressure ridge ahead.”

Battles rage in the mid-fleet

Photo sent from the boat Charal during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 06, 2025. Photo credit: skipper Jérémie Beyou

Competition remains fierce among the chasing pack, with Jérémie Beyou (Charal) and Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE) leading the western group closer to the Brazilian coast. Meanwhile, Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) and Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB) opt for an eastern route, hoping to avoid lighter winds.

“It’s a lot of tricky conditions and games to play before Les Sables d’Olonne,” Meilhat explained.

Herrmann hit by lightning

Boris Herrmann (Malizia – Seaexplorer) experienced his second lightning strike in six months, damaging several key systems, including radar and keel controls.

“All the alarms came on, and the boat gybed instantly. It was one of the craziest days I’ve ever had at sea,” Herrmann shared.

Despite the setback, Herrmann remains in 6th position, relying on partially restored systems to continue racing.

Alan Roura’s resurgence

Alan Roura (Hublot) made a remarkable comeback, reducing his gap to Jean Le Cam (Tout Commence en Finistère – Armor Lux) to just 30 miles. Skirting the ice exclusion zone proved a smart tactical move for the Swiss skipper.

Photo sent from the boat Hublot during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 08, 2025. Photo credit: skipper Alan Roura

Weathering the storm

In the South Atlantic, skippers are bracing for a powerful depression bringing 40-knot winds and 6-metre waves. Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur – DUO for a JOB) leads the charge to escape the worst conditions, while others slow down to weather the storm.

“It’s a race against time to protect ourselves,” Ferré admitted.

Courage at Cape Horn

Seven boats rounded Cape Horn yesterday, with Ferré reflecting on the emotional weight of the milestone:

“At Cape Horn, I discovered that you can cry with gratitude. It’s all the emotions of my life condensed into one moment.”

Photo sent from the boat FOUSSIER during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 08, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Sébastien Marsset. Cape Horn

Photo sent from the boat DMG MORI Global One during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 7, 2025. Photo credit: skipper Kojiro Shiraishi. Cape Horn

A testament to resilience

From Dalin’s relentless push at the front to Herrmann’s resilience in the face of technical challenges, the Vendée Globe continues to showcase the indomitable spirit of solo sailors. With the finish line in sight for the leaders and storms still battering the fleet, this race remains a powerful testament to human endurance and determination.