On Wednesday evening a group of eleven boats led by the Normandy Charlie Dalin (Macif) was on the verge of overtaking the island of Madeira (Portugal) off the coast of Morocco with a slight advantage over the rest of the fleet of the Tenth Fleet Vendée Globe.
By the 7pm check-in, Dalin had regained the overall lead, posting a small lead of two miles over Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) and three over Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable). This leading trio, who had already dominated the rankings the day before, saw a group of pursuers get dangerously close thanks to the very stable weather in the North Atlantic.
Jérémie Beyou (Charal) and Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable) were now less than ten miles behind the three leaders and, a little further away, Nicolas Lunven had also found the lead after choosing a risky but profitable Western option.
The Breton, two-time winner of the Solitaire du Figaro, went from 38th place on Tuesday to 7th in 24 hours, at the same time setting a new record for distance traveled in one day on board a monohull: 546.60 miles ( 1,1012 km).
All competitors are still competing, the first time in 20 years
At the heart of the fleet, damage began to accumulate after three days of racing. Maxime Sorel (V and B - Monbana - Mayenne), injured his ankle, decided to take refuge in Madeira to be able to climb his mast and repair a part that prevents him from hoisting the mainsail. “I had to face reality: the hook is broken. I didn’t expect such a complicated start to the Vendée Globe”, said the sailor from Saint-Malo, 10th in the last Vendée Globe.
New Europe’s Hungarian skipper Szaboles Weores, for his part, informed the race management that he had torn two sails after leaving them in the pile. Clarisse Crémer (L’Occitane en Provence) lost her front mainsail at sea. “Without this wing, the next few days downwind in light air won’t be much fun. I lost a lot of energy but the race is still long,” explained the 34-year-old sailor in a video broadcast from on board.
All the skippers passed Cape Finisterre and were still racing at the start of the evening. According to the organizers, this is the first time in twenty years and the fifth edition of the Vendée Globe.
Ranking of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe on Wednesday at 7pm.
1. Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance): 23,212.52 nautical miles to finish
2. Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa): 2.04 miles from first
3. Sam Goodchild (vulnerable): 3.09 miles from first
4. Jérémie Beyou (Charal): 6.43 miles from first
5. Thomas Ruyant (vulnerable): 8.51 miles from first
6. Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée): 26.40 miles from first
7. Nicolas Lunven (Holcim – PRB): 28.14 miles of first
8. Boris Herrmann (Malizia – Seaexplorer): 40.79 miles from first
9. Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil): 45.84 miles from first
10. Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq V): 46.44 miles from first
(…)
40. Xu Jingkun (Singchain Team Haikou) 374 miles from first
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sailing Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to another exciting edition of Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the world of competitive sailing and the ongoing Vendée Globe. With us is renowned sailing expert, Dr. Emeline Roche, who has closely followed this race for years. Emeline, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Emeline Roche: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the Vendée Globe and its latest developments.
Time.news Editor: Let’s jump right in. Last night, the fleet led by Charlie Dalin was nearing the island of Madeira. How significant is this point in the race?
Dr. Emeline Roche: Madeira is a pivotal point. It’s not just a physical landmark but also a strategic location. As the skippers near the island, it can dramatically shift the dynamics of the race. It’s about finding the right wind patterns and knowing when to optimize speed versus conserving resources.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of dynamics, by the 7 PM check-in, Dalin had regained the overall lead. He has a two-mile advantage over Yoann Richomme and three miles over Sam Goodchild. How do such small margins play out in a race of this magnitude?
Dr. Emeline Roche: In sailing, especially in a race like the Vendée Globe, every nautical mile counts. These small differences can be crucial—adjustments in the trimming of the sails or a change in wind direction can either build or break a lead. These competitors are at the pinnacle of their skills, and every decision matters.
Time.news Editor: It seems like Dalin, Richomme, and Goodchild are dominating the leaderboard. However, the competition is fierce, with skippers like Jérémie Beyou and Thomas Ruyant closing in. How do the boats’ designs impact their performance?
Dr. Emeline Roche: Boat design is a critical factor. The Vendée Globe features high-tech monohulls designed for speed and efficiency. Each boat has unique characteristics which can be advantageous under certain weather conditions. Ruyant’s strategy of taking a riskier western path shows how adaptability can pay off in this environment.
Time.news Editor: It’s also interesting to note that some competitors are facing challenges. For example, Maxime Sorel has had to stop for repairs due to injuries and sail damage. How important is resilience in the Vendée Globe?
Dr. Emeline Roche: Resilience is key! The Vendée Globe is not just a test of speed but also endurance—mentally and physically. The sailors need to be able to adapt quickly to unforeseen circumstances and mechanical failures. Sorel’s decision to repair at Madeira highlights that even leaders may need to pause their quest for effective long-term strategies.
Time.news Editor: We’ve heard about sail damage from several skippers, including Clarisse Crémer, who is having a tough time. How much of an impact can a lost sail have on a sailor’s performance?
Dr. Emeline Roche: Losing a sail can severely hinder performance—especially in varied weather conditions. Crémer acknowledged the impact of losing her front mainsail on her energy levels, which exemplifies how critical every component of the boat is. It can disrupt the rhythm and strategy, especially when sailing downwind in light air.
Time.news Editor: Fascinating insights! It’s also noteworthy that this is the first time in twenty years that all competitors are still racing at this stage of the Vendée Globe. What does this signify for the race?
Dr. Emeline Roche: This is a remarkable achievement! It showcases a level of skill among the competitors, as well as advancements in technology and preparation. It also emphasizes the unpredictability of the ocean, which is both beautiful and challenging.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, as we see the rankings shift and strategies unfold, what can we expect in the upcoming stages of the Vendée Globe?
Dr. Emeline Roche: Expect the unexpected! As the race progresses, competition will only intensify, and strategies will evolve. Weather patterns can change rapidly, leading to significant shifts in the standings. It will be thrilling to watch how each sailor navigates their path to success.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Emeline, for your expert analysis! We look forward to following the unfolding drama of the Vendée Globe and hope to catch up with you again soon for more insights as the race continues.
Dr. Emeline Roche: Absolutely! I’m excited to see how this incredible race will play out. Thank you!