Chris Woodhams

Hungarian solo sailor Szabolcs Weöres has made the heartbreaking decision to retire from the 2024-25 Vendée Globe, following irreparable damage to the D2 shroud aboard his IMOCA yacht, New Europe. The structural failure occurred on 14 December, approximately 700 nautical miles from Cape of Good Hope, while battling winds gusting over 40 knots on port tack.

Catch up with all the action from the past 24 hours in this 30-minute daily report.

The Vendée Globe fleet is experiencing relentless challenges as the Indian Ocean delivers punishing conditions. However, Yoann Richomme aboard PAPREC ARKÉA is making headlines with a remarkable display of speed and strategy, narrowing the gap to leader Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) to under 18 miles.

The Vendée Globe continues to deliver moments of triumph and adversity, as skippers battle extreme conditions in the Southern Ocean. From dismastings to high-speed chases, the fleet faces its toughest challenges yet.

The indomitable...