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The endurance paradox

In this edition of the Vendée Globe, the latest generation of foiling IMOCAs has altered the race dynamics. The front-runners endure intense but relatively short stints at sea, whereas those further back face a marathon of attrition, stretching well beyond 100 days at sea.

“We’ve been on the water for a while now; it’s still a crazy adventure. I’ve been dreaming about it for 20 years and preparing for it for four years… I want to finish strongly,” says Louis Duc (Fives Group – Lantana Environnement, 24th).

The final push

With 11 skippers still at sea, fatigue is mounting. Each day presents a fresh set of challenges, from deteriorating sails and equipment to fluctuating wind patterns. Guirec Soudée (Freelance.com, 23rd), who has spent extended periods alone at sea before, admits he’s ready to see land again. His arrival is expected between Friday night and Saturday.

Meanwhile, a “match within the match” is unfolding between Louis Duc and Violette Dorange (Devenir, 25th), each striving to be the first of their group to reach Les Sables d’Olonne.

Battling exhaustion and the elements

Fatigue is a constant companion. Jingkun Xu (Singchain Team Haikou, 30th) shares that the past few days have been particularly demanding. “The last few days have not been easy, particularly because of the high temperatures. Sailing upwind adds an element of risk; it slams a lot and is very uncomfortable. There’s also a lot of weed.”

Further back, Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans – Wewise, 32nd) is painfully aware of the long road ahead. “I still have three weeks at sea.”

Landfall anticipation

For many, the anticipation of reuniting with loved ones is a powerful motivator. “I really want to see my family and friends again. I miss them a lot,” says Violette Dorange, set for a massive finish on Monday, with tens of thousands expected to gather at Les Sables d’Olonne.

The small joys of life ashore also beckon. “Fresh food and a good shower,” is the top priority for Manu Cousin (Coup de Pouce, 31st). Kojiro Shiraishi (DMB Global One, 26th) jokes, “Seeing green spaces and playing golf!”

Tactical navigation in the final stretch

The final leg is not just about endurance—it’s also about strategy. Skippers are threading their way through complex weather systems. Louis Duc leads a tight group of four, forced to take a long detour north, possibly as far as the south of Ireland, to catch favourable winds to Les Sables d’Olonne.

Meanwhile, Éric Bellion (Stand as One – Altavia, out of the race) and Antoine Cornic (Human Immobilier, 28th) are battling a tough depression south of the Azores.

Still at sea: The Southern Hemisphere trio

At the back of the fleet, Manuel Cousin (Coup de Pouce, 31st), Fabrice Amedeo, and Denis Van Weynbergh (D’Ieteren Group, 33rd) continue their long passage up the Brazilian coast, making steady progress between 10 and 15 knots.

Amedeo reflects on the mental game of a prolonged race: “87 days at sea is a long time, but I’ve stopped counting. What matters is staying focused despite the arrivals ahead. There are still three weeks to go—it’s nothing on the scale of a Vendée Globe, but it’s still a lot of days at sea.”

Looking ahead

For some skippers, thoughts are already turning to the future. Swiss sailor Oliver Heer (Tut Gut., 29th) is already planning another Vendée Globe campaign. “I do start to think about the finish, quite often really. I’ve been on the boat for almost 90 days now, and it’s time to see land again. One thing is for sure—I’m not done with the Vendée Globe yet. I’m very keen to be back in 2028.”

As the remaining sailors push on, their journey is a reminder that while winning may capture headlines, true endurance is the heart of this great race.