january 7, 2025: Full speed ahead to the Azores: Duel at the top and tension among the chasers
Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) and Yoann Richomme (Papes Arkea) continue their fierce battle in the trade winds of the North Atlantic. The two sailors are speeding towards the Azores High, which they expect to reach in the next 48 hours. The former maintains his position as leader, with a lead of around 130 nautical miles over Yoann Richomme. The latter, though tired from repeated exertions, continues to sail at an average of 21 knots in the trade winds. Both skippers expect to arrive in Les Sables d'Olonne in around eight days' time, on or around January 15, 2025.
Behind the leading duo, Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) crossed the equator in the morning, consolidating his third position. Further south, the other competitors are struggling to close the gap, while Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur - DUO for a JOB), in twentieth position, recently rounded Cape Horn, marking his entry into the South Atlantic.
In the chasing pack, there are two opposing strategies. Jérémie Beyou (Charal, 4th) and Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable, 5th) are heading east, while Paul Meilhat (Biotherm, 9th) and Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB, 10th) have opted for the open sea. Boris Herrmann (Maliza Seaexplorer, 6th) had to go upwind after a problem with his crossbar. Behind them, the trio of Benjamin Dutreux (Guyot Environnement âeuros Water Family, 11th), Clarisse Crémer (L'Occitane en Provence, 12th) and Samantha Davies (Initiatives CÅur, 13th) will soon have to contend with erratic winds and squalls. Jean Le Cam (Tout Commence en Finistère âeuros Armor Lux, 14th) chose an easterly option which enabled him to get ahead of the duo Damien Seguin (Groupe APICIL, 15th) and Romain Attanasio (Fortinet Best Western, 16th), further north. Isabelle Joschke (MACSF, 18th), Giancarlo Pedote (Prysmian, 19th) and Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ V, out of the race) should be able to escape a major depression in the Cordillère des Andes zone. Violette Dorange (Devenir, 28th) has chosen to ease off, while Guirec Soudée (Freelance.com, 24th) continues on his way. He will then be able to go up to the mast to repair his J2 and lazy-jack. Ãric Bellion (Stand As One âeuros Altavia, 27th) suffered damage to the pin holding the J2 forestay.
In Les Sables d'Olonne, excitement is building as the first competitors approach. Technical teams are busy setting up large structures in anticipation of the imminent arrivals.
january 8, 2025: A series of incidents and strategic battles, the Vendée Globe under tension
Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) and Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkea) are keeping up a steady pace in the North Atlantic trade winds. Dalin, in the lead, is averaging speeds close to 18 knots, opening up a gap of 167 nautical miles with Richomme. Among the incidents of note, Boris Herrmann (Malizia Seaexplorer, 6áµ) was struck by lightning, causing damage to his onboard electronics. He has managed to restore some of his instruments, but remains cautious about the reliability of his equipment. Behind him, Alan Roura (Hublot, 17th), skirting the AZE, managed to come back to within 30 miles of Jean Le Cam (Tout Commence en Finistère âeuros Armor Lux, 16th).
Guirec Soudée (Freelance.com, 24áµ) had to dive under his hull near Cape Horn to free a net caught in his keel, illustrating the extreme challenges faced by skippers. Ãric Bellion (Stand As One âeuros Altavia, 27áµ), who noticed damage to the pin holding J2's forestay, requiring repairs at sea, completed his repairs. A little further on, Oliver Heer (Tut Gut., 30th) spotted an iceberg in his path.
january 9, 2025: Trade winds, lows and tactical choices put the Vendée Globe fleet to the test
Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance, 1??) and Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkea, 2?) continue their serene climb up the North Atlantic. They are making progress in the trade winds, although they have encountered a ridge of high pressure slightly reducing wind strength (7 to 10 knots instead of 15). They plan to pass to the southeast of the Azores, and could be slowed by a high-pressure bubble forming around Brittany, requiring several counter-pressures until they reach Les Sables-d'Olonne. Dalin is expected to arrive on Tuesday, followed by Richomme a few hours later. The gap between them has increased to 180 nautical miles. Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil, 3?) is also making progress in the trade winds. He will soon have to choose his tactics in the face of a low-pressure system: pass to the northwest, with a risk of slowing down, or to the southwest, facing stronger winds.
The chasing pack, some 2,100 miles south of the leaders, is engaged in an intense battle for places of honor. To the west, Jérémie Beyou (Charal, 4áµ) and Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable, 5áµ), seem to have a slight advantage. To the east, Paul Meilhat (Biotherm, 8áµ) and Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB, 9áµ) are multiplying their counter-edges to catch up. They are beginning to emerge from the intense storm zone, although Justine Mettraux (Teamwork âeuros TeamSnef, 10áµ) may still be concerned.
Six skippers, from Tanguy Le Turquais (Lazare, 21?) to Kojiro Shiraishi (DMG Mori Global One, 26?), are sailing in the heart of a low-pressure system in the South Atlantic, facing difficult conditions with strong winds and rough seas. Finally, in the southern seas group, Antoine Cornic (HUMAN Immobilier, 31?) and Jingkun Xu (Singchain Team Haikou, 32?) must remain vigilant in the face of icebergs and the extreme conditions of southern latitudes.
