Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) in the lead, the Vendée Globe leaders entered the dreaded Doldrums on Wednesday, an intertropical convergence zone known for its unstable weather which had already begun to slow boats in the evening. “Sailors have to juggle between storms, sometimes bad and sudden, and soft ones. This requires them to constantly change the sails and therefore be attentive to the slightest upheaval,” explained Jacques Caraës, assistant race director.
After spending Tuesday with flat seas, in ideal conditions with a wind between 18 and 20 knots, the top twelve in the ranking saw their average speed halved in a few hours, in mid-afternoon. “Coming in calmly, thirty knots of wind, there’s a storm and you can’t see anything anymore,” complained Paul Meilhat in a video from on board. Twelfth at 7pm, he was one of the few to have maintained a certain speed.
The change of pace was particularly marked for Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkea), new record holder for distance traveled in 24 hours (551.81 miles, average speed of 22.89 knots), starting at 7 small knots at 7pm. Cumulonimbus clouds, violent thunderstorms, torrential rains, weak and variable winds, nothing should be spared the leaders, who could however extricate themselves as early as Thursday evening for the most inspired.
“It’s a passage that I don’t know at all. I try to observe the cards, to understand how it works. I try to prepare as much as possible. I know there will also be an element of luck”, estimated the youngest of the competition Violette Dorange (Devenir), 27th and leaving to return in a day or two. At the rear of the fleet, Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans – WeWise), 35 °, was sailing at a very slow speed after reporting a keel problem.
Ranking of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe on Wednesday at 7pm:
1. Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) 21,570.54 nautical miles to finish
2. Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) 8.71 miles from first
3. Samantha Davies (Initiatives-Cœur) at 30.29 miles
4. Clarisse Crémer (L’Occitane en Provence) at 38.05 miles
5. Nicolas Lunven (Holcim – PRB) at 39.88 miles
6. Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq V) at 43.01 miles
7. Justine Mettraux (Teamwork-Team Snef) at 49.93 miles
8. Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) at 54.37 miles
9. Thomas Rettant (vulnerable) at 56.47 miles
10. Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) 56.81 miles from first
39. Szabolcs Weöres (New Europe) at 1,152 thousandths
Abandon:
Maxime Sorel (V and B-Monbana-Mayenne)
How does weather forecasting impact decision-making for competitors in the Vendée Globe?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Jacques Caraës, Assistant Race Director of the Vendée Globe
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Jacques! Thank you for joining us today. The Vendée Globe is in an intense phase as the sailors have just entered the Doldrums. Can you first explain what this means for the competitors?
Jacques Caraës: Thank you for having me! The Doldrums, or the intertropical convergence zone, is notorious for its unpredictable and often tricky weather patterns. Sailors entering this region face a mix of fierce storms and calm winds. It requires constant adjustments – from changing sails to staying vigilant for any sudden shifts in the weather.
Time.news Editor: We’ve heard that the top twelve boats saw their speeds halved quite dramatically. Can you shed some light on how that happens?
Jacques Caraës: Certainly! Just before entering the Doldrums, many competitors were racing at impressive speeds of 18 to 20 knots. Once they hit the area, conditions can change drastically, resulting in winds dropping to as low as 7 knots, as was the case with Yoann Richomme. The transition from strong winds to unexpected storms can make it challenging to maintain momentum, necessitating frequent sail changes and strategic decision-making.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a real test of skill and endurance. Paul Meilhat described the situation as going from calm to a storm where “you can’t see anything anymore.” How do sailors prepare for such sudden changes?
Jacques Caraës: Preparation is key! Sailors rely heavily on weather forecasting and satellite images to anticipate changes in their environment. However, the element of luck plays a large role here as well. They must remain adaptable and ready to react quickly to what nature throws at them. The mental aspect is just as demanding as the physical.
Time.news Editor: That brings us to the psychological challenges of the race. Violette Dorange, one of the youngest competitors, mentioned the need to observe the cards and prepare as much as possible. How vital is mental fortitude in such extreme conditions?
Jacques Caraës: Mental toughness is absolutely crucial in the Vendée Globe. These sailors are isolated at sea for extended periods, facing not only physical challenges but also emotional ones. The ability to maintain focus, manage anxiety, and stay calm during chaotic conditions can make all the difference between success and failure.
Time.news Editor: It’s impressive how much goes into this race! We also have a less fortunate tale with Fabrice Amedeo sailing at a very slow speed due to a keel problem. What can you tell us about the significance of equipment reliability in such long voyages?
Jacques Caraës: Equipment reliability is vital. The Vendée Globe is not just a race; it’s a test against the elements. Problems like a damaged keel can severely hinder performance and safety. That’s why every sailor conducts rigorous preparations before setting off. However, once at sea, they must be ready to troubleshoot and fix issues promptly.
Time.news Editor: With the unpredictability of the Doldrums and challenges like these, what advice would you give to aspiring ocean racers looking to participate in events like the Vendée Globe in the future?
Jacques Caraës: My advice would be to focus on building experience, both in sailing techniques and mental resilience. Spend time at sea in varying conditions, learn to adapt, and become familiar with navigation and weather systems. The ocean is unpredictable, and respect for it is paramount.
Time.news Editor: Wise words indeed! Thank you so much for your insights, Jacques. We’re excited to see how this year’s Vendée Globe unfolds amidst such challenging conditions!
Jacques Caraës: Thank you! It’s going to be an incredible race, and we’re all eager to see who comes out on top as the sailors navigate these complex challenges.
