Vendée Globe 2024, one month into the race
- Passing Cape Leeuwin for Charlie Dalin
This Monday, December 9, Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) passed the longitude of Cape Leeuwin at 14:12:58 UTC, after 29d 02h 10min 58s of racing.
- Sébastien Simon suffers foil damage on Groupe Dubreuil
Sébastien Simon, second in the Vendée Globe on Saturday, December 7, reported major damage to the starboard foil of her IMOCA Open 60 Dubreuil Group while sailing in the Indian Ocean. The rupture, which occurred in rough but manageable conditions, is now limiting his boat's performance, with an estimated 30% loss of speed on port tack.
Despite this difficulty, Sébastien Simon remains determined, maintaining a significant lead over the rest of the fleet while keeping up a steady pace of 16 to 18 knots.
- Louis Burton withdraws from the Vendée Globe 2024
Louis Burton, skipper of Bureau Vallée, announced on Wednesday December 4 that he would be retiring from the Vendée Globe due to serious mechanical damage to the rigging on his IMOCA. After ten hours of unsuccessful attempts to repair the damage, he took the difficult but well-considered decision to withdraw from the race.
While sailing in demanding conditions ahead of a low-pressure system, this damage, which occurred after repairs had already been carried out a fortnight earlier, compromised the safety of the boat and the skipper. Louis Burton returned to Cape Town, South Africa. This withdrawal marks the end of his participation in this 10th edition, after two successful circumnavigations, including 3rd place in the previous Vendée Globe.
End of the Jules Verne Trophy for the two Ultims
The trimaran SVR-Lazartigue led by François Gabart, interrupted its Jules Verne Trophy record attempt after colliding with a UFO, damaging its foil and starboard rudder. The crew returned to Concarneau on the afternoon of the 6th to carry out express repairs, with the aim of setting off again as soon as a new window of favorable weather opens, expected by the middle of next week.
The technical teams are working to replace the damaged foil and rudder, with logistical support from MerConcept. Inspired by Francis Joyon's similar experience in 2016, the skipper and his team are redoubling their efforts to relaunch their adventure as quickly as possible.
As he made his way through the trade winds towards the Equator, Sodebo Ultim 3 was forced to interrupt his record attempt on the Jules Verne Trophy due to major damage: the total loss of the central rudder.
Thomas Coville's crew turned back to their technical base in Lorient. No collateral damage or water ingress was noted, enabling the 7 sailors to return under their own power. An investigation is underway to determine whether the rupture was due to a mechanical problem or impact.
The technical team will examine the damage in Lorient to determine the next steps.
Antoine Albeau sets a new windsurfing speed record!
Antoine Albeau, who already held the previous record, made history by reaching 53.49 knots (99.06 km/h) at the Lüderitz Speed Challenge in Namibia on December 1, 2024. At 52, the multiple world champion smashed his own record set in 2015 after five weeks of effort on the famous Lüderitz canal, renowned for its extreme conditions combining powerful winds and cold waters.
The sailing legend is now aiming for the absolute sailing speed record (65.45 knots) with his ambitious "Zephir" project.
Wingfoil, the French shine on the 2024 world circuit
The 2024 season of the GWA Wingfoil World Tour concluded with an impressive harvest for French riders, who claimed five Vice World Champion titles in various disciplines. Proof of France's performance on the international scene in this fast-growing discipline.
In Jericoacoara, Brazil, Julien Rattotti claimed the title of Vice World Champion in Freefly-Slalom, marking a consistent season and a hard-fought battle with Italy's Francesco Capuzzo. Oscar Leclair, winner of this final stage, finished just off the world podium despite a dazzling performance. In the women's category, Kylie Belloeuvre also shone, taking the World Vice-Champion title after a remarkable season.
Axel Gérard established himself as World Surf-Freestyle Vice-Champion, reaching the podium at every stage of the season. His compatriots Malo Guenolé, Bastien Escofet and Clément Hamon also feature in the world Top 10, testifying to the exceptional density among the French. In Wave, Malo Guenolé stands out with a new World Vice-Champion title, as does Big Air where he finishes in 2? place, followed by Bastien Escofet, 3?. These outstanding results place the French among the big favorites for next season, to turn their podium finishes into world titles.
