In the latest update from the Vendée Globe, published Thursday evening, Yoann Richomme and Charlie Dalin are facing challenging conditions as they navigate through a low-wind zone, considerably slowing their progress. As of Wednesday night, Dalin, sailing on Macif Santé Prévoyance, managed to close the gap to just 19 miles behind richomme of Paprec Arkéa, with both competitors still over 6,100 nautical miles from the finish line. Their average speeds have dipped below 10 knots due to the anticyclonic conditions encountered after passing Cape Horn. Meanwhile, Sébastien Simon trails in third place, 599 miles behind, while Thomas Ruyant is expected to round Cape Horn soon, maintaining a faster pace of 20 knots but still 1,328 miles from the leader. In the rankings,Justine Mettraux has moved up to ninth,overtaking Sam Goodchild,who is now just 2.5 miles behind her.
Current Vendée Globe rankings as of Thursday, December 26:
1. Yoann Richomme (Paprec arkéa) 6141.09 nautical miles to go
2. Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) 19.03 miles from first
3. Sébastien Simon (Dubreuil group) at 599.58 miles
4. Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable) at 1328.41 miles
5. Jérémie Beyou (Charal) at 1592.92 miles
6. Nicolas Lunven (Holcim – PRB) at 1640.90 miles
7. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) at 1690.26 miles
8. Boris Herrmann (Malizia – Seaexplorer) at 1700.67 miles
9. Justine Mettraux (Teamwork-Team Snef) at 1732.59 miles
10. Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) at 1735.09 miles
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our discussion on the current state of the Vendée Globe.Today, we’re focusing on the latest developments in the race, notably the challenges faced by top skippers Yoann Richomme adn Charlie Dalin. Joining us is sailing expert, Pierre Lambert. Pierre,could you provide us with an insight into the conditions affecting Richomme and dalin’s performance?
Pierre Lambert (PL): Certainly! Currently,both Richomme and Dalin are navigating through a low-wind zone,which has substantially slowed thier progress. As of the last update, Dalin, sailing on Macif santé Prévoyance, has managed to close the gap to Richomme, now just 19 miles behind. Their average speeds have dipped below 10 knots due to these anticyclonic conditions encountered after passing Cape Horn.
TNE: That’s quite a change from the high speeds we often associate with the Vendée Globe. What implications does this slow down have for the racers?
PL: slower speeds can create strategic challenges. In endurance racing like the vendée Globe, maintaining speed is critical for staying competitive, especially with over 6,100 nautical miles still to the finish line. The racers must balance conserving energy and making tactical decisions, particularly when dealing with changing weather systems.
TNE: Speaking of strategy, Sébastien Simon is currently in third place, but there’s a notable gap of 599 miles from the leaders. How might this impact his approach?
PL: For Simon,the key is to stay consistent and look for favorable wind shifts. His slower pace compared to Richomme and Dalin means he has to be strategic in how he positions his boat.Any sudden changes in weather might give him an prospect to catch up, but he’ll need to avoid mistakes and maintain focus.
TNE: Thomas Ruyant is another notable competitor who is expected to round Cape Horn soon. What do you think about his current pace of 20 knots?
PL: Ruyant’s pace is impressive, especially as he approaches Cape Horn. High speeds can be advantageous if he can effectively capitalize on the wind conditions while maintaining hull integrity. It might also allow him to potentially overtake simon if he can navigate the upcoming conditions wisely.
TNE: Justine Mettraux also made headlines by moving up to ninth place, overtaking Sam Goodchild. What do these positional changes indicate about the race dynamics?
PL: Positioning in the vendée Globe is constantly fluctuating. Mettraux’s rise to ninth reflects the competitive nature of the race; small gains can make a big difference in morale and strategy. It signifies that the competition remains tight,and every minor betterment can have significant ramifications as the race progresses.
TNE: With conditions expected to remain tricky, what practical advice would you offer to readers hoping to follow the race or even participate in similar events in the future?
PL: For those following the race, keeping an eye on the weather updates and the racers’ strategies can enhance your understanding of what’s at stake. If someone is considering participation in similar races, it’s crucial to focus on readiness. This includes understanding wind patterns, vessel handling under different conditions, and mental endurance.
TNE: Thank you, Pierre, for sharing your expertise on these fascinating developments in the Vendée Globe. Your insights certainly add depth to our understanding of this challenging race.
PL: Thank you for having me.It’s always exciting to discuss the Vendée Globe and the incredible athletes involved. Let’s keep an eye on the next updates!