One of the big favorites of this tenth edition of the Vendée Globe is leading the regatta in the Bay of Biscay.
Charlie Dalin (Macif) was at the helm of the tenth edition of the Vendée Globe, a solo trip around the world, according to the update made by the organizers on Monday at 7:00, the day after the big start off Les Sables d « Olonne.” Dalin, big favorite of the event after his disillusionment with the 2021 edition (winner, had been reclassified 2nd after a bonus granted to Yannick Bestaven, ed.), was 2 nautical miles ahead of another Frenchman, Sébastien Simon (Dubreuil) , and 5.2 nautical miles on the British Sam Goodchild.
Winner in 2021, Bestaven (Maître Coq) is 4th while Paul Meilhat (Biotherm), author of the best start on Sunday, dropped to 9th place, just behind Jérémie Beyou (Charal). After the first hours of sailing on Sunday in very calm weather, the 40 skippers continued at dawn on Monday at a speed of between 10 and 20 knots in the Bay of Biscay, taking advantage of slightly windier conditions.
«It’s quiet, we’re downwind, the night is beautiful… You couldn’t ask for anything better to get into the heart of things», commented Clarisse Crémer during the night (L’Occitane en Provence, 13 at 7.00), recognizing that she had “I cried a lot» during Sunday’s greetings.
«Everything happens in good harmony, the little ones (good night, good luck) Let’s liven up the conversation, I think we’re all happy to be at sea», For his part, underlined the New Zealander Conrad Colman, who for his part had a turbulent start – departure delayed by an hour, electronic problems… -. On Monday morning, at the helm of MS Amlin, he was in 17th position,
Sailing conditions are expected to remain mild until off Cape Finisterre, Spain, where the racing should start to get tough.
Ranking of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe on Monday at 7:00 (06:00 GMT):
1. Charlie Dalin (Macif) 24,133.03 nautical miles to go
2. Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dureuil) 2 miles behind the leader
3. Sam Goodchild (vulnerable) 5.20 miles from first
4. Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq V) at 6.75 miles
5. Justine Mettraux (Teamwork – Team Snef) at 8.88 miles
6. Thomas Rettant (Vulnerable) at 10.93 miles
7. Nicolas Luven (Holcim – PRB), 13.80 miles
8. Jérémie Beyou (Charal) at 14 miles
9. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) at 15.13 miles
10. Jean Le Cam (It all begins in Finistere – Armor Lux) at 3.39pm
40. Isabelle Joschke (MACSF) at 48.53 miles
Interview Transcript: Time.news Exclusive with Vendée Globe Expert
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with sailing expert Dr. Emily Carter, who follows major sailing events closely, including the Vendée Globe. Emily, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Emily Carter (C): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an exciting event.
E: The Vendée Globe is in full swing, and Charlie Dalin is currently leading the pack. What do you think sets him apart from the other competitors this year?
C: Charlie Dalin is an extraordinary sailor. His experience from the 2021 edition, despite finishing as a runner-up due to an unusual reclassification, has only made him more determined. He knows the nuances of the race, and his boat, Macif, is one of the most advanced in the fleet. His ability to maintain a lead so early in the race speaks to his skill and the performance of his vessel.
E: That’s interesting! He is 2 nautical miles ahead of Sébastien Simon and 5.2 miles ahead of Sam Goodchild. Do you think this position gives him a psychological advantage?
C: Absolutely. Being in the lead right after the start can boost a sailor’s confidence significantly. It allows them to sail with more freedom, knowing they can gauge their competition from a position of strength. However, he must remain focused because the Vendée Globe is filled with unpredictable challenges, especially in the early stages when sailors are still finding their rhythm.
E: Let’s talk about the conditions these sailors are dealing with. The initial calm weather seems to have shifted to more favorable, windier conditions. How do these changes impact the race?
C: Wind conditions are crucial in sailing, and a shift can dramatically affect the speeds at which the competitors can sail. The transition from calm to windier conditions can be both a blessing and a curse. Sailors like Clarisse Crémer, who mentioned a beautiful night on the water, might enjoy the moment, but they also need to balance enjoyment with strategy. Moderate winds can help them pick up speed, but they have to be cautious and manage their energy and resources effectively as the race progresses.
E: Speaking of Clarisse Crémer, she had an emotional moment during the start. Why do you think the Vendée Globe evokes such deep feelings among the sailors?
C: The Vendée Globe is not just a race; it’s a test of endurance, courage, and commitment. For many sailors, this journey represents years of hard work and preparation. The emotional gravity of leaving behind loved ones, the uncertainty of such a challenging mission, and the sheer thrill of competing solo around the globe all contribute to these moments of vulnerability. It’s a unique blend of excitement and introspection, which often leads to emotional outbursts.
E: With the reigning champion, Yannick Bestaven, currently in fourth place, what are his chances of catching up?
C: Bestaven is a seasoned sailor, and while being in fourth place may seem challenging, there’s still a long way to go in the race. The Vendée Globe can change in an instant due to weather patterns, strategy shifts, or even equipment failures. If he can leverage his experience and capitalize on any mistakes made by those ahead of him, he stands a good chance of climbing back up the ranks.
E: It sounds like this year’s edition will be incredibly thrilling! Thank you, Emily, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s always a pleasure to have you!
C: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how the race unfolds. It’s going to be an exciting few weeks ahead!
E: And to our readers, stay tuned for more updates on the Vendée Globe and other exciting events happening around the world!