An Englishman at the top of the Vendée Globe. After two days at sea, British skipper Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) took command this Tuesday of the tenth edition of the Vendée Globe, overtaking Norman Charlie Dalin (Macif) off the coast of Portugal. “I wasn’t really looking for this first place,” explained the surprised 34-year-old Englishman, who has ambitions of completing his first solo trip around the world. In the lead since Monday morning, Charlie Dalin had nevertheless crossed Cape Finisterre at the head of the fleet, the first major difficulty of the race, but at the 11am check-in Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) was left behind. At 8pm, the gap between the two men remained very small however, as the Briton had only a 9 mile lead over the Norman, while Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkea) completed the provisional podium.
The night between Monday and Tuesday was particularly tough for the 40 skippers involved with wind gusts measured at 40 knots at the tip of Cape Finisterre. “Fortunately we don’t experience this every day in the Vendée Globe,” Dalin said. The sea was short, it wasn’t exactly pleasant. » Thomas Ruyant was relegated in the general classification (5th) after managing a water leak on board his Imoca. “In the conditions encountered in the last hours off Cape Finisterre, rough seas and fairly strong winds, the skipper of Dunkirk regularly pumps out the water that has entered the hold of the sails,” his team indicated on Instagram.
Maxime Sorel, the navigator of the V and B – Monbana – Mayenne, has experienced a series of adventures since the start of the regatta. His evening was particularly complicated due to a technical problem and an ankle injury. “I can’t lower the mainsail, I’ve tried everything. In my battle with the hook (a hook for attaching a hoisted sail to the tip of the halyard), I injured my right ankle. It’s slightly swollen under the ankle bone, I’ll keep an eye on it. I’m a bit on standby, waiting to see how it goes,” he says.
In the next few hours the wind should be a little less strong. The forecast indicates less than 7 knots of wind between the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. In these areas of calm everything is a matter of placement and movement. The regatta continues with Madeira in the sights: the leaders should reach it tomorrow evening.
Ranking this Tuesday at 8pm:
1. Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) 23,574.60 nautical miles to finish
2. Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) 8.95 miles behind the leader
3. Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) at 22.73 miles
4. Jérémie Bayou (Charal) at 29.95 miles
5. Thomas Rettant (vulnerable) at 36.90 miles
6. Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée) at 45.00 miles
7. Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ V) at 45.18 miles
8. Boris Herrmann (Malizia – Seaexplorer) at 45.97 miles
9. Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) at 49.30 miles
10. Justine Mettraux (Teamwork-Team Snef) at 73.33 miles
Interview between Time.news Editor and Vendée Globe Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and welcome to our exclusive interview. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned sailing expert, Dr. Laura Mitchell, who has closely followed the events of the Vendée Globe. Laura, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Laura Mitchell (DLM): Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time in the sailing world, especially with the latest updates from the Vendée Globe.
TNE: Absolutely! Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen British skipper Sam Goodchild take the lead after just two days at sea. What do you think are the factors that contributed to his surprising rise to the top?
DLM: Well, Sam Goodchild’s success at this early stage can be attributed to a combination of strategy and conditions. Despite not actively seeking first place, he capitalized on the challenges faced by other skippers. The intense conditions around Cape Finisterre were particularly harsh, with wind gusts reaching 40 knots. His ability to navigate through this effectively set him apart.
TNE: That’s a great point. Speaking of conditions, Charlie Dalin faced some difficulties despite leading for a while. What challenges did the fleet encounter right after the start?
DLM: Cape Finisterre is notorious for its rough seas and strong winds, as we’ve seen this year. Many skippers experienced not only physical challenges but also equipment issues. For example, Thomas Ruyant struggled with a water leak on board, which is a serious concern when you’re out at sea. The stress of managing these unpredictable elements can take a toll on even the most prepared sailors.
TNE: It sounds incredibly intense! We also heard about Maxime Sorel’s injuries and technical difficulties. How can such incidents impact a skippers’ performance in a race like this?
DLM: Injuries like Sorel’s can greatly affect performance. Sailing solo, without a co-skipper to assist, means every task becomes significantly more challenging when you’re physically impaired. Moreover, dealing with technical difficulties can distract from strategic decision-making. It’s about maintaining focus and resilience, balancing your physical condition alongside the boat’s maintenance.
TNE: The weather forecast suggests a calmer stretch ahead. How might this affect the race dynamics as skippers approach Madeira?
DLM: Calm conditions can flip the race dynamics entirely. When the winds drop to 7 knots, it’s less about sheer speed and more about strategic placement. This period becomes crucial for the skippers to make calculated moves, optimize their positioning, and avoid being caught in a windless zone. The next few hours will be critical!
TNE: It certainly sounds like a game of chess on the water. With so many players involved, how does this season’s competition compare to past Vendée Globe events?
DLM: Each edition has a unique flavor, but this one seems exceptionally competitive. The skill level across all competitors is high, and we’re observing a tight race right from the start. The newcomers are making impressive strides, challenging seasoned veterans, which raises the stakes. You never know when someone might spring a surprise!
TNE: Fascinating insights, Laura. As we wrap up, what can fans of sailing and the Vendée Globe look forward to in the coming days?
DLM: Fans should prepare for some thrilling competition! With the shifts in weather and the upcoming navigation challenges, we might see more lead changes and unexpected incidents. It’s the unpredictability that makes the Vendée Globe so captivating, and we’re just at the beginning!
TNE: Thank you so much, Dr. Mitchell, for sharing your expertise with us today. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the race and all the exciting developments!
DLM: My pleasure! I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.