Vendée Globe Day 8: Again, Sam! Goodchild rises as Sébastien Simon claims the lead
by Vendée Globe Media, November 17, 08:57 PST
17 November 2024
Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil), the French sailor raised in Les Sables d’Olonne with the Vendée Globe shaping his life, has become Sunday’s new leader in the solo non-stop circumnavigation race.
The 34-year-old, who was forced to withdraw in Cape Town during his initial Vendée Globe attempt due to damage to his foil housing, has had a strong first week in this event, positioning himself close to the rhumb line – the most direct route south – for many hours, which allowed him to pull ahead this afternoon.
Simon, the 2018 winner of La Solitaire du Figaro, is now further south than previous leader Jean Le Cam, whose position – just 150 miles west of the African coast exclusion zone – has left the French veteran struggling for wind. A ridge of high pressure, which has been a barrier for the fleet, has extended eastward, leaving Le Cam and New Zealander Conrad Colman (MS Amlin) almost without wind.
Strategic choices earn admiration and jealousy
Nonetheless, it has been a successful Sunday for British skipper Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE), who is receiving praise for his performance thus far. He discovered a favorable vein of wind, spending hours today sailing at around 20 knots while his competitors to the west and east struggled to reach double-digit speeds. Goodchild has climbed back to third place on this second Sunday of the race, about 400 miles northwest of the Cape Verde islands, still sailing at 14-15 knots, which is faster than leader Simon, who went westward this afternoon.
Damien Seguin (Groupe Apicil) in 11th place today expressed enthusiasm, saying, “His course choices are magnificent. Right now, it’s easy to suggest I should have taken the same route. But he executed his strategy flawlessly. He’ll create a nice gap! I appreciate his sailing style. He’s a great guy and has had a fantastic start to the race!”
Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) was less effusive but acknowledged Goodchild’s smart navigation: “Sam has found a mouse hole (a small corridor of breeze). It’s frustrating; he already has a significant lead, and it will only get more challenging.”
Repairs, both large and small
Even in relatively mild conditions, there are major and minor repairs to undertake. Last night, Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée), who was sailing in good company to the west, heard a crack during a squall. Upon inspection today, he found cracking on the deck edge where his jockey pole (a carbon strut that positions a headsail sheet for optimized sheeting to enhance power) is located. He assessed the damage today and initiated repairs, but the situation is worse than initially reported late last night.
I admire his sailing style. He’s a really nice guy and has had a very good start to the race!”
Szabolcs Weöres (New Europe) has reached the Canary Islands. The Hungarian stopped at a buoy near Las Palmas to mend his mainsail, which was torn after he was knocked flat a few days ago.
Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans – Wewise) has fixed his keel ram support. “I’m not a handyman; there are probably a few inverted shelves at home. So succeeding here is really a nice experience!” said the former Le Figaro journalist. British sailor Pip Hare (Medallia) has used power tools to repair part of her hydrogenator system. Damien Seguin (Groupe APICIL) is equally pleased: “I had a comprehensive list of repairs to complete. Nothing too serious, but it’s better when everything functions properly, and I’m happy everything is back on track!”
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