Azores high awaits Vendée Globe leaders as mid-fleet battles intensify

Leaders navigate a final hurdle

Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) maintains his lead as he approaches the Azores high-pressure system, 400 miles northwest of the Cape Verde islands. However, the light winds in this zone are slowing his progress, giving Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA) a chance to close the 180-mile gap.

Photo sent from the boat Groupe Dubreuil during the Vendee Globe sailing race on January 08, 2024. Photo credit: skipper Sébastien Simon

“The trade winds are sometimes unstable in strength and direction,” Dalin reported. “I’m taking advantage of the conditions to recover and prepare for the ridge ahead.”

Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil), in third place, is managing his progress at 21 knots, ensuring his boat and mental focus remain intact for the final stretch. With a significant 1,500-mile cushion, Simon is well-positioned to secure a podium finish.

Mid-fleet battles heat up

In fourth place, Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE) has emerged from the challenging Cabo Frio front and is now in consistent breezes. Maintaining a slim lead over Jérémie Beyou (Charal), Goodchild remains vigilant about his boat’s condition.

“The boat is getting tired, and I’m dealing with small issues,” Goodchild shared. “But we’re starting to see the finish line in the routings—it’s exciting!”

Further down the rankings, Nico Lunven (Holcim PRB) and Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) are taking eastern routes, hoping for better trade winds, while Clarisse Crémer (L’Occitane en Provence) and Sam Davies (Initiatives Coeur) contend with unsettled weather as they climb the South Atlantic.

fighting through high pressure

In the southern Atlantic, Damien Seguin (Groupe Apicil), Romain Attanasio (FORTINET Best Western), and Jean Le Cam (Tout Commence en Finistère – Armor Lux) struggle to escape high-pressure ridges.

Seguin reflected on the changing conditions:

“It’s more relaxing physically compared to the South, but tactically, the open Atlantic is much more complex.”

Le Cam has benefitted from favourable weather, closing gaps with competitors, though all three sailors are navigating through calms.

Dorange’s Cape Horn challenge

Rookie sailor Violette Dorange (Devenir) approaches Cape Horn, prioritising safety by slowing her progress to avoid a dangerous low-pressure system. Despite the delay, Dorange remains optimistic about her journey.

“Cape Horn marks the end of the Southern Ocean, and I’m so happy to have made it this far,” she said.

Technical issues with her engine have forced Dorange to rely on solar and hydrogen generators for power.

“I tell myself there’s no point in worrying as long as my batteries are good. I’ll monitor carefully and keep moving forward.”

The final stretch

As the Vendée Globe leaders prepare for the Azores high, mid-fleet sailors grapple with strategic decisions and unpredictable weather. With less than 15 days to go for some, the race remains a test of endurance, resilience, and strategic brilliance.

For rookies and veterans alike, each mile represents a new challenge and a step closer to completing this extraordinary journey.