10th Vendée Globe experiences calm beginnings as Kiwi Colman leads record-breaking fleet southward
by Vendée Globe Media 10 Nov 11:44 PST
10 November 2024
The record fleet of 40 solo sailors welcomed a mild opening to the Vendée Globe this afternoon off the coast of Les Sables d’Olonne in France, crossing the start line of the legendary solo non-stop race around the world at 1302hrs (local time/1202hrs UTC) under cloudy skies and a weak breeze of 5-6 knots with a watery November sun overhead.
Although the sluggish start was appreciated by the skippers, who favored the light winds over the strong gales typically present in previous race beginnings, the initial hours of the 24,500 nautical mile course will demand high vigilance as the large fleet of IMOCA 60 yachts remains compact and close together in the Bay of Biscay.
Daggerboard enthusiasts rejoiced, while foilers faced challenges…
With the light winds, the latest generation of foiling IMOCA 60 boats had little chance to showcase their speed. Instead, it provided an excellent opportunity for some skippers with more modest budgets sailing boats equipped with traditional daggerboards – which minimize drag – to take the lead temporarily.
Germany’s Boris Herrmann (Malizia-Seaexplorer) was the first to depart from the start line on his foiling yacht, which is optimized not only for the strong winds and seas of the Southern Ocean but also performs well in lighter, sub-eight knot breezes. Also positioned among the top group early on was first-time racer Szabolcs Weeöres (New Europe), who honed his sailing skills in dinghies on Lake Balaton in Hungary and entered the world of IMOCA solo racing just three years prior.
Strong emotions amidst light winds
The Vendée Globe start day is renowned for its remarkable fan experience in the sports world, and today’s event was more impressive and emotional than ever, especially since four years ago, the 2020-2021 race commenced ‘behind closed doors’ due to the global pandemic. For three months during that challenging time, this legendary race offered a sense of normalcy and excitement, especially in France. Following the skippers’ adventures provided a daily relief from the pressures of life under lockdown. The commencement of this tenth edition has served as both a ‘thank you’ to the race, the skippers, the organizers, and the region, as well as a celebration of freedom in every aspect.
In the three-week lead-up to start day, unprecedented crowds have gathered in Les Sables d’Olonne to stroll along the race pontoon and pay tribute to the daring skippers and their vessels. Today was truly a day of celebration and deep emotion. Crowds began to gather from 0430hrs, lining both sides of Les Sables d’Olonne’s famed channel – the tidal canal that brings vessels into the city’s core – and for two hours, voiced their best wishes to the racers for safe travels and fair winds on their circumnavigation.
Colman rises above pre-race challenges to take the lead
After losing his grip on the pontoon and partially falling into the water during his exit, New Zealander Conrad Colman was forced to start over an hour late, getting a rope caught in his propeller on MS AMLIN. Following the strict protocols for receiving assistance to resolve his issue, the ‘Crazy Kiwi’ began his race at 1417hrs, an hour and 15 minutes behind the rest of the fleet. However, whether driven by the desire to make up for his pre-start troubles or better navigating through the fleet in the increasing northern winds, Colman was leading the entire Vendée Globe fleet by late afternoon as they headed south toward Cape Finisterre in the northwest corner of Spain, where winds are forecasted to exceed 25 knots.
Increasing winds on the horizon
Winds are predicted to strengthen. The strategic goal will be to get westward to where the wind is expected to be stronger while maximizing speed by gybing downwind to make the most of slight changes in wind direction and maintain optimal speed directly south. The leaders should reach Cape Finisterre by midday or early afternoon on Monday.
Quotes:
Pip Hare (GBR, Medallia): “I’m incredibly excited, absolutely thrilled. Everyone just wants to start safely – that’s all we can ask for. We know the winds will strengthen and we can start sailing – this start situation beats having 30 knots of wind. The atmosphere is electric and the welcome here is fantastic – it fills me with joy and creates a wonderful vibe. It feels as though everyone is sharing the same excitement and passion for the sport, hoping for my success. It’s an extraordinary experience.”
Szabolcs Weöres (Hungary, New Europe): “I was very eager last night. I wouldn’t claim I slept well, but I know I rarely sleep before a race. I had a good sleep the night before – now I feel well-rested and eager to start and be out there alone at sea. The weather is lovely – ideal for spectators, with light winds so everyone can follow us. After this, I hope for good wind to propel us straight south.”
Conrad Colman (NZL, MS Amlin): “Today is amazing, marking the conclusion of an astounding journey that brought me here. Bringing this boat and team to the start line took three continuous years of hard work. This is an incredible chapter in my life – I’m incredibly excited and proud, and I can’t wait to start.”
Oliver Heer (SUI, Tut Gut): “It’s a unique and intense experience here – one to savor. We’ve all put in immense effort to reach this point, and now it’s all coming together – I feel profound emotions inside. Four years ago, I was on Hugo Boss with Alex (Thomson) in this channel, so I have some idea of what it’ll be like. It’s a special moment that will remain a cherished memory. When challenges arise during the race, I’ll reflect back on this experience.”
Sam Davies (Initiatives Cœur): “I surprisingly slept well last night before the Vendée Globe. I can’t wait to hit the water. I’m delighted to be among the first to leave the pontoon. I plan to take a brief nap before the start and consult with my team on the weather. I’m really excited for the evening at sea, under the big gennaker, pushing hard, and the atmosphere here is just incredible. There are people everywhere! D-Day is always a bit stressful, but I’m gathering energy for the tough times ahead. It’s an honor to sail this beautiful boat, Initiatives Cœur. I’m proud of our hard work and successes over the past two seasons, but I’m also managing my pressure because this is a tremendous opportunity. I’ll stick to my previous racing style and focus on putting pressure on those ahead instead of on myself!”
Track the fleet here.
