Vendee Globe: Less than half a mile covers three leaders after 14,500nm match race
by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com/nz 19 Dec 03:30 NZDT
Sébastien Simon realises he has taken the lead - Groupe Dubreuil - Vendée Globe Race - December 17, 2024 © Sébastien Simon
Impossibly the lead has tightened further in the world single-handed, non-stop round the world matchracing championship - otherwise known as the Vendee Globe race.
With 14,500nm sailed the three leaders, Charlie Dalin, Sebastien Simon and Youann Richomme are covered by less than half a nautical mile. With 3000nm left to sail, they are predicted to round Cape Horn at 1600hrs on Christmas Eve.
They are sailing at speeds of 24kts peaking at 37kts the three lead boats are riding fresh winds which look set to carry them all the way to Cape Horn. A storm which could have struck just as they were rounding Cape Horn, appears to pass astern, and ahead of the fourth placed yacht sailed by Thomas Ruyant who is almost 600nm behind the lead trio. Nicholas Lunven is just 7nm behind, with Jérémie Beyou in 6th - 18nm behind Ruyant.
The Vendee Race management have speculated that "the tightening up at the front of the race, visible in recent days, may also be due to the technical problems revealed by Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) in a video. Dalin explains that he had an unspecified sail problem which took him 36 hours to repair in tough conditions but assure us that MACIF Santé Prévoyance is ‘back at 100%’. And after he shows us him using his jetboil to warm up the inside of his boat which is at 6 degrees, he shows us amazing footage of him sailing side by side with Yoann Richomme."
Pip Hare sailing under Jury Rig is heading for Melbourne, and expected to arrive around New Year's Eve - to what is expected to be a huge reception. She spoke at length with Vendee Globe's Dee Caffari on how she is tackling her latest challenge, and we get a quick tour of the repairs to Medallia.
Mark Jardine's Report (x2) on Sail-World:
Vendee Globe Update:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0nBndvLkM8