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A memorable first stop on Reunion Island
The second leg of the Globe40, between Cape Verde and Reunion Island, left a lasting impression. In addition to a record distance of 8,400 miles, it was the occasion for a historic welcome to Bourbon Island, the first stopover of a major ocean race.
This stopover also allowed the skippers to take a breather after a long and demanding leg. The technical teams carried out the necessary checks and repairs before the start of the third leg. The sea conditions and the length of the course left their mark, without any major damage, but with a clear need for repair.
A free 5,100-mile ocean route
The fleet set off from Saint-Paul Bay on November 21, 2025 at 1pm local time. The route to Sydney, Australia, is estimated at over 5,500 surface miles. The course is free, but imposes limit zones to the south: 46° at the start, then 48° below Australia.
The fleet will quickly have to deal with the effects of the Mascarene anticyclone, already well known on the route to Reunion. The aim will be to reach the westerly winds of the forties, a zone conducive to fast but demanding speeds. The passage of Baas Strait and the climb back up to Sydney Harbour will then require more tactical sailing. The finish line is positioned between Shark Island and the south coast, in Sydney Harbour itself, close to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Arrival expected from December 11
Forecasts put the race time at between 18 and 19 days. The fleet is likely to face around ten days under the influence of active lows in the forties. Once they've reached the Australian coast, they'll have to maneuver in Sydney Harbour to cross the finish line. This symbolic arrival is set against a prestigious backdrop, with two major clubs - the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (RSYS) and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) - hosting the race just before the start of the Sydney-Hobart, scheduled for December 26.
This leg, graded coefficient 2, will weigh heavily in the overall ranking. The consistency and reliability of the boats, and their ability to keep up the pace in tough conditions, will once again determine the outcome of the Globe40.
