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Tom Laperche is approaching Guadeloupe, but without the trade winds
With less than 630 miles remaining as of the morning of Friday, November 6, Tom Laperche (SVR-Lazartigue) holds a lead of more than 500 miles over Thomas Coville (Sodebo Ultim 3) and Louis Burton (Armand Thiery). This significant lead allows him to prioritize the safety of his trimaran in the final hours of the race.
However, the leader must navigate through an area affected by a tropical depression, with erratic winds and periods of calm. More surprisingly, the absence of established trade winds could force the boat to sail close-hauled, making frequent tacks to reach Guadeloupe.
It is expected to arrive in Pointe-à-Pitre on Saturday, November 7, depending on weather conditions.
Corentin Horeau Leads the IMOCA Field; Ambrogio Beccaria Withdraws
In the IMOCA class, Corentin Horeau (MACSF) has extended his lead to more than 245 miles over Boris Herrmann (Malizia 4). The French skipper is maintaining a fast pace despite rough seas that have put his monohull through its paces. In particular, he was caught on a luff, with a heel of up to 90 degrees, before slowing down.
Behind him, Sam Goodchild (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) moved up to third place, ahead of Francesca Clapcich (11th Hour Racing).
But the biggest news of the day concerns Ambrogio Beccaria. While in fifth place, the Italian skipper of Allagrande Mapei suffered a serious fall in his cockpit on Thursday evening. Suffering from severe back pain, he decided to withdraw after consulting a doctor and is heading to the Azores to receive medical treatment.
Basile Bourgnon Sets Sail in an Ocean Fifty
In the Ocean Fifty class, Basile Bourgnon (Edenred) has solidified his lead, sitting more than 115 miles ahead of Pierre Quiroga (WeWise). The skipper took advantage of the conditions to extend his lead, at the cost of numerous maneuvers and accumulated fatigue since the start.
Thibaut Vauchel-Camus (Solidaires en Peloton by Delanchy) rounds out the provisional podium.
However, the situation could become more complicated as winds are expected to pick up again on Saturday, November 7. The priority then will be to protect the multihulls, which are particularly vulnerable in rough seas.
Erwan Le Draoulec (Lazare x Hellio), who suffered a dislocated shoulder, has decided to travel to Horta, in the Azores, on medical advice.
In the Class40, the race remains wide open around the Azores
Unlike the other classes, where the leaders have a comfortable lead, the competition remains tight in Class40. Guillaume Pirouelle (Sogestran - Seafrigo) leads ahead of Achille Nebout (Amarris) and Robin Follin (Solano).
The competitors are sailing in rough seas, with highly variable winds following the passage of a weather front. Route choices are particularly important, especially for those who have decided to sail around the low-pressure systems from the north.
Mathieu Claveau (Inherent - Phare 40) therefore chose a route far to the north in order to avoid the most severe conditions. This choice requires him to strike the right balance between speed and pacing so as not to end up in the strongest winds.
Vincent Riou (Pierreval - GoodPlanet Foundation) also decided not to continue the race after his technical stopover in La Coruña, given the forecast conditions.
A new low-pressure system is threatening part of the fleet
In the Vintage categories, the standings are also shifting. Damien Seguin (Arkéa - Handicap International) has taken the lead in Vintage Multi ahead of Éric Péron (French Touch - Oceania Hôtels), while Sidney Gavignet (Le Cigare Rouge) leads the Vintage Mono class.
For competitors still near the Azores, the main concern remains the passage of another low-pressure system. According to forecasts released by the organizers on Friday morning, gusts of 40 to 45 knots and waves reaching up to five meters are expected on Saturday for part of the fleet.
After five days of racing, the differences in speed between the categories are thus accompanied by very contrasting weather conditions. While Tom Laperche is preparing for his final approach to Guadeloupe, most of the solo sailors still have to navigate the Atlantic low-pressure systems before they can truly
