<a href="http://www.time.news/vendee-globe-2024-how-much-will-the-winner-and-the-other-skippers-earn/" title="Vendée Globe 2024: how much will the winner and the other skippers earn?”>Thomas Ruyant heads towards the equator. The 43-year-old northern skipper was the first to emerge from the Doldrums, an intertropical convergence zone known for its unstable weather that has slowed the fleet, after taking command of the Vendée Globe on Thursday.
At the 7pm check-in this Thursday, the 43-year-old Northerner, 6th in the last Vendée Globe, was 13 miles ahead of Britain’s Sam Goodchild after stealing the leader’s place from him overnight thanks to a somewhat further away. ‘west well heard.
“In the middle of the night, over four hours, his speed was 16.9 knots, compared to the 5-6 knots of Sam (Goodchild) and Sébastien (Simon, currently 4th),” explains race director Pierre Hays. “He managed to find a less complex pass and take advantage of it. »
In an ambush, Charlie Dalin (Macif), Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB) and Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkea) remained menacing less than 60 miles from Rettant and the entire lead group headed towards the equator which they had to cross in the night.
“It seems like we’re out of the doldrums now. In any case it seems that way because it stabilizes! », appreciated Yoann Richomme, during the official session with the organizers. “The dish was intense, with several gusts and very unstable winds, both in strength and direction, but it was short,” said reigning champion Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq).
Before diving into the South Atlantic off the coast of Brazil, the sailors of the Vendée Globe, as tradition dictates, will offer Neptune some wine and wish each other a good voyage until they arrive. The rear of the fleet has just begun to cross the depression.
Vendée Globe rankings Thursday at 7pm:
1. Thomas Rettant (Vulnerable) 21,323.94 nautical miles to go
2. Sam Goodchild (vulnerable) 13.10 miles from the leader
3. Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) at 36.01 miles
4. Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) at 37.89 miles
5. Nicolas Lunven (Holcim – PRB) at 48.08 miles
6. Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) at 54.87 miles
7. Justine Mettraux (Teamwork-Team Snef) at 55.28 miles
8. Jérémie Beyou (Charal) at 57.94 miles
9. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) at 61.89 miles
10. Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq V) at 63.05 miles
How does the traditional ceremony honoring Neptune impact the sailors’ morale during the Vendée Globe?
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our exclusive interview regarding the thrilling action of the Vendée Globe sailing race. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Pierre Hays, the race director. Pierre, thank you for joining us!
Pierre Hays: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss the race and the incredible talent participating.
Time.news Editor: We are seeing some exciting developments in the race, particularly with Thomas Ruyant taking the lead. How significant was his performance in the Doldrums, especially at such high speeds?
Pierre Hays: Thomas Ruyant’s performance was remarkable! He managed speeds of 16.9 knots, which is a game changer, especially compared to the 5-6 knots that his closest competitors, Sam Goodchild and Sébastien Simon, were experiencing. Ruyant found a less complex passage and capitalized on it beautifully. It highlights not just skill, but strategic thinking in unpredictable conditions.
Time.news Editor: The Doldrums can be notoriously tricky for sailors. Can you explain why these conditions are so challenging and what it takes to navigate them successfully?
Pierre Hays: Absolutely! The Doldrums, or the intertropical convergence zone, is characterized by inconsistent winds and often squalls, which can drastically change direction and strength without warning. Sailors need to maintain a delicate balance between speed and control, and being able to read the wind patterns is crucial. It’s a test of both endurance and tactical prowess.
Time.news Editor: We also noticed that there were several challengers close behind, including Charlie Dalin, Nicolas Lunven, and Yoann Richomme. How do they pose a threat as the race progresses?
Pierre Hays: The proximity of those sailors is definitely a sign that this race isn’t over yet. With less than 60 miles separating them from Ruyant, their ability to maintain pace and find wind is critical. Any miscalculation or stroke of luck can swing results dramatically in this environment. As they all prepare to cross into the South Atlantic, the competition is bound to tighten even more.
Time.news Editor: It seems that some sailors are feeling cautiously optimistic about moving away from the Doldrums. Do you believe we’re going to see more stable conditions ahead?
Pierre Hays: The feedback from the sailors indicates a hope that they might be out of the worst of it. Yoann Richomme’s comments reflect this sentiment regarding the stabilization of winds. However, transitions into the South Atlantic can bring their own challenges. The unpredictability of oceanic weather is always a factor in this race.
Time.news Editor: there’s a traditional moment where sailors honor Neptune before heading south. What’s the significance of this and how do the sailors engage with it?
Pierre Hays: This tradition of paying homage to Neptune speaks to the rich history of sailing. It’s a nod of respect to the oceans they’re about to sail into, acknowledging the challenges ahead. The sailors typically engage in a light-hearted ceremony, which helps to lighten the mood amid the intense competition and can foster camaraderie among them.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Pierre, for this insight into the Vendée Globe. It’s fascinating to hear about the challenges and the tradition that accompany such a high-stakes race. We wish all sailors the best of luck as they continue their journey.
Pierre Hays: Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to talk about this incredible event, and we’re looking forward to more thrilling moments ahead!