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january 18: Last act in a stormy, merciless North Atlantic
As the Vendée Globe skippers approach the finish line, one last major obstacle stands in their way: a low-pressure system of rare intensity, with a pressure of 950 hPa, is blocking the competitors' path between Jérémie Beyou (Charal) and Samantha Davies (Initiatives-C?ur). This exceptional weather system is generating violent winds of up to 50 knots and 10-meter waves, turning the final days of the race into a real challenge of physical and mental endurance.
The skippers had no choice but to face this "Big Bertha" head-on, as Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur âeuros Duo for a Job) was nicknamed, forced to deal with a new sail hook problem. This storm is reminiscent of the extreme conditions encountered during previous editions, putting a strain on sailors and boats already tested by several weeks of intense sailing. Samantha Davies expresses her frustration at this last-minute setback, hoping for a calmer arrival.
Faced with this unpredictable storm, options are limited. Jérémie Beyou, who is already struggling with autopilot problems, is preparing for some tough decisions, between slowing down to avoid the heart of the system or taking the risk of charging ahead. Forecasts remain uncertain, and trajectories could be adjusted at the last minute depending on the storm's movement.
Just when many thought they had left the worst conditions behind them after rounding Cape Horn, this latest storm is a reminder that the North Atlantic in winter can prove even more formidable than the southern seas. Skippers like Justine Mettraux (TeamWork âeuros Groupe Snef, 8th place) are anticipating an intense 24 hours, requiring maximum rest before tackling the winds and chaotic seas towards Cape Finisterre and the Bay of Biscay.
Not only do the sailors have to deal with the coming storm, but they also have to protect their boats, already weakened by the long race. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm), faced with the loss of his forestay, had to improvise a solution by climbing the mast to secure his rig before the bad weather arrived. For his part, Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable, 5th) is preparing to slow down if necessary to avoid the most violent troughs.
january 19: An unstoppable low-pressure system and a Cornelian dilemma for skippers
The Vendée Globe skippers have to contend with a formidable low-pressure system in the North Atlantic, leaving them no way out. Between tacking upwind in 35-40 knots towards Madeira, or slowing down and risking being caught by another weather system in the Bay of Biscay, every option seems to be a trap. Navigation becomes a real headache, with each choice entailing its share of risks and constraints.
The skippers in the front row, including Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable), Jérémie Beyou (Charal), Paul Meilhat (Biotherm), Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB) and Justine Mettraux (TeamWork-Team Snef), have to juggle between preserving their equipment, already well tested by 70 days of racing, and maintaining a competitive pace. Nicolas Lunven illustrates the dilemma by pointing out that no option is ideal, with each decision having an impact on the rest of the race.
While the sailors calculate every possible route, Sam Goodchild and Jérémie Beyou, at the head of the group, could try to skirt the center of the low-pressure system to benefit from an optimal trajectory. A risky gamble, but one that could pay off if they manage to anticipate the capricious weather as well as possible.
Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur âeuros Duo for a Job), for his part, continues to fight on despite the damage. He has managed to make up some ground on Tanguy Le Turquais (Lazare) and is gearing up for a fierce battle to the finish, while remaining under threat from the Doldrums, whose whims could reshuffle the cards.
january 20: Between extreme challenges and skippers' resilience
The Vendée Globe continues its epic journey, with contrasting weather conditions putting skippers and their boats to the test. While some are approaching Cape Horn, facing the last rigors of the Deep South, others are trapped in the Doldrums, where scorching heat and deceptive calms are slowing their progress. Further north, the leaders have to contend with a violent low-pressure system between the Azores and the Canaries, generating winds of 50 knots and waves of 8 to 10 meters, complicating their trajectory towards Les Sables d'Olonne.
Damage is multiplying throughout the fleet, testifying to the wear and tear of the equipment after more than 70 days at sea. Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) has had his mainsail blown up, while Jérémie Beyou (Charal) and Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) have to deal with weakened systems in chaotic seas. The skippers, exhausted by weeks of intense effort, still need to find the physical and mental resources to make it to the finish.
Despite these trying conditions, some sailors, like Arnaud Boissières (La Mie Câline) and Isabelle Joschke (MACSF), are trying to take advantage of the milder moments to savor the beauty of the ocean and get back to a more serene sailing rhythm. As the finishing line draws nearer, adaptability and resilience remain the watchwords if they hope to complete this legendary round-the-world race.
