Vendée Globe Race – Day 14 – Mind the Gap
by Vendée Globe media 22 Nov 09:20 PST
22 November 2024
Sebastien Simon on Groupe Dubreuil – Vendée Globe 2024 © Sebastien Simon
Out of 39 boats still competing in the Vendée Globe, most have escaped the Doldrums, with almost half now in the Southern Hemisphere after crossing the Equator. Last night, Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE) led the fleet across at 19:10 hrs.
His time of 11d 07h 08m 15s is nearly two full days slower than the race record set by Alex Thomson in November 2016 for reaching the Equator. Surprisingly, Ruyant’s time is the slowest since the 2008 race when Loïck Peyron crossed to the South Atlantic in 12d 05h.
After Ruyant experienced a slowdown due to a technical problem, Charlie Dalin took the lead early this morning on his MACIF Santé Prévoyance. This marks the third time Dalin has led so far, benefiting from his advantageous position and the strength of his boat in the current trade winds.
While skippers at the back still navigate lighter winds and squalls in the ITCZ, the front runners are pushing hard to position themselves for the approaching low-pressure system north of Rio, which will accelerate them southeastward. With the Saint Helena high displaced eastward, they have a good chance to recover lost time in the North Atlantic. However, missing the low could be costly as the high pressure reforms in an unpredictable manner.
Ruyant shared in the Vendée LIVE show today, “I slowed down due to a hydraulic ram issue on the J3 headsail, which required a sail change. I had to bear away to fix it. There were a few hours when I wasn’t fast because of this issue. Leaving the Doldrums to the west compared to the fleet, I hope to maintain my position and tighten up. I expected this tack to be tough, especially with Charlie sailing very quickly. Currently, nine of us are within 60 miles, which is impressive. Everyone is closely knit in this race. This adds to the energy required. The plan is to catch this low, which should take us to the Cape of Good Hope. I believe we will all end up on the same trajectory.”
Clarisse Crémer (L’Occitaine en Provence) is currently the fastest on Dalin’s former boat, and so is Boris Herrmann (Malizia-Seaexplorer) in 14th place. He anticipates just managing to catch the first low, stating it could depend on a margin of 50 miles.
Meanwhile, crossing the Equator, beverages like cider brandy, beer, wine, Calvados, and rum have all been offered to King Neptune. The teetotaler Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE) presented special chocolate from Grenada, while Pip Hare offered a cup of tea and shredded date cake! In this race toward Rio, avoiding gaps and cut-offs, every bit of good fortune is important to keep Neptune on their side!
“North of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, the leaders should catch the low-pressure system, allowing them to reach the Cape of Good Hope almost directly,” explained Christian Dumard, a weather consultant for the race.
The Doldrums still present challenges for some. “The Doldrums don’t feel too harsh, but I won’t assume that until I’m completely clear,” commented Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans – Wewise), expressing a bit of superstition shaped by a past “nightmarish” experience four years ago.
Learn more…
