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february 15: The Vendée Globe skippers face a tough challenge as they climb back into the trade winds
Contrary to their reputation as steady downwind conditions, the trade winds are proving to be a real challenge for the Vendée Globe skippers as they head north. Between the equator and the Azores, criss-crossing waves and unstable winds put sailors and equipment to the test. Manu Cousin (Coup de Pouce) and Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans âeuros Wewise) testify to the appalling conditions, while Denis Van Weynbergh (D'Ieteren Group) highlights the impact of repeated shocks on hulls and rigging.
Further north, Oliver Heer (Tut Gut.) has to juggle irregular winds and shipping traffic, while Jingkun Xu (Singchain âeuros Team Haikou), with a shoulder injury, struggles to stay on course. The weather remains uncertain as they approach the Bay of Biscay, where a drop in wind could slow the last few miles before arriving in Les Sables d'Olonne.
february 16: Final rounds for Vendée Globe skippers
After a grueling passage through the trade winds, Manu Cousin (Coup de Pouce), Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans âeuros Wewise) and Denis Van Weynbergh (D'Ieteren Group) are finally enjoying a lull as they enter a ridge of high pressure. This respite remains temporary, however: light winds could slow their progress towards Europe, forcing them to navigate with finesse to avoid getting trapped.
In the lead, Oliver Heer (Tut Gut.) has seen his arrival in Les Sables d'Olonne postponed to Monday due to unstable winds, while Jingkun Xu (Singchain âeuros Team Haikou) should finish his race on Tuesday, buoyed by a more regular flow. For all of them, the finishing line is drawing nearer, but vigilance remains the order of the day until the last mile.
february 17: Oliver Heer, 29th in the Vendée Globe
This Monday, February 17, at 6:29 pm, Swiss-German skipper Oliver Heer crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe after 99 days, 5 hours and 27 minutes of sailing. The first sailor from German-speaking Switzerland to complete this solo circumnavigation, he finished in 29? place.
Despite calms, damage and gale-force winds, the 35-year-old sailor showed exemplary tenacity. Formerly Alex Thomson's boat-captain, he sailed his 2007 boat with limited means, but unfailing determination. After rounding the Capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn, he ended his adventure in Les Sables d'Olonne, fulfilling a dream he'd had since childhood.
february 18: Jingkun Xu, 30th in the Vendée Globe
On Tuesday February 18, after 99 days, 20 hours and 06 minutes of sailing, Jingkun Xu crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe, becoming the first Chinese skipper to complete this legendary race. At the age of 35, he makes history as the 100th solo sailor to complete the race.
Despite injuries and technical problems, the sailor from Singchain Team Haikou showed determination throughout. His adventure, marked by moments of difficulty but also of wonder, embodies a message of hope and perseverance. On his arrival in Les Sables d'Olonne, arms raised, Jingkun Xu celebrated not only a sporting achievement, but also the realization of a dream pursued for 18 years.
february 20 : Final stretch for the last three Vendée Globe skippers
After more than 100 days at sea, Manu Cousin (Coup de Pouce), Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans - Wewise) and Denis Van Weynbergh (D'Ieteren Group) are continuing their race in testing conditions. Caught in a ridge of high pressure, they are making slow progress, hampered by light and fickle winds.
Despite the weariness and the wait, the three skippers remain determined to reach Les Sables d'Olonne. Each is trying to find the best trajectory to get out of this zone of calm and hook onto the west-south-westerly flow expected from Saturday. Patience may be sorely tested, but the return of the wind will mark the start of their final sprint to the finish line.
