Vendee Globe – Day 5 – Passed Madeira, Approaching the Doldrums
by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World NZ 14 Nov 00:12 PST
14 November 2024
Sam Davies (GBR/FRA) Initiatives-Coeur – heading towards Madeira – November 13, 2024 © Sam Davies
The leading fleet continues to be dominated by five boats now spread over 30 nautical miles—a significant increase from the last update when the gap was 11 nautical miles using the “Distance to Sail to the Finish” (DTF) methodology.
At the front is Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkea), closely followed by Nicholas Lunven (Holcim) and Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable). Ruyant has surpassed his TS Racing teammate Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable), who is now fifth, while Jeremie Beyou (Charal) sits in fourth. Charlie Dalin (MACIF), who was second in the last update, is currently in sixth.
The 40-boat Vendee Globe solo, non-stop around-the-world race remains intact, with no withdrawals and all competitors still racing. However, several issues have arisen, including damaged mainsails, a lost Code Zero, halyard problems, and a malfunctioning watermaker.
What occurred in the Vendee Globe up until Day 5 at 0200hrs UTC on November 14:
Women: Justine Mettreux (SUI) is the top female sailor currently sitting 9th on the water aboard the full foiler Teamwork Team SNEF, while Sam Davies (GBR/FRA) in Initiatives Coeur is in 15th on DTF.
Full Foilers: In the DTF standings, Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkea) is leading, with Charlie Dalin (MACIF) in second, Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) in third, and Jeremie Beyou (Charal) in fourth.
Daggerboarders: Benjamin Ferre (FRA) leads the Daggerboard group, currently in 14th on the water, followed closely by Jean le Cam (Finistere) in 17th and Conrad Colman (MS Amlin) in 19th; all are separated by 20 nautical miles under the DTF system.
The leading boats are anticipated to seek a passage through the Doldrums as they navigate towards the South Atlantic High, aiming to get a boost past the Cape of Good Hope and into the Southern Indian Ocean.
Utilizing the routing service in Predictwind with polar for a full foiling IMOCA60, the suggested route indicates a significant move westward before heading south through the Doldrums. An analysis of expected boat speeds reveals favorable conditions for most boats, but those near the African coast may be impacted by the Sahara desert’s influence. Four of the six weather feeds used indicate a similar route, providing a week’s worth of reliable weather forecasts. Wind speeds are expected to drop to 4-6 knots in a few days as the lead boats navigate through. However, conditions in the Doldrums are known for changing rapidly, and all competitors will aim to cross at the narrowest point, catching the trade winds once they emerge.
Sail-World Publisher Mark Jardine’s Video Update from 0200hrs and 0600hrs UTC.
Thursday, November 14 | Vendée Live – English language update with Andi Robertson
Wednesday, November 13 | Vendée Live – English language update with Andi Robertson
Vendée Globe – Life onboard: Day 4 with Conrad Colman MS Amlin – Watermaker issues
Day 4 update from Ollie Heer in the Vendée Globe
Everything is fine aboard Malizia – Seaexplorer as it approaches Madeira
Challenging sailing conditions for Pip Hare | Vendée Globe 2024
“Kojiro is improving his condition” | Vendée Globe 2024
Samantha Davies speeds toward Madeira! | Vendée Globe 2024
Maxime Sorel: “I’ve tried everything…” addressing his mainsail issue | Vendée Globe 2024
Arnaud Boissières continues his journey! | Vendée Globe 2024
Assessing Szabolcs’ damage | Vendée Globe 2024
The last hours have been tough for Szabolcs Weöres… | Vendée Globe 2024
Sam Goodchild: “Charlie is going quite fast” | Vendée Globe 2024
Conrad Colman passes Benjamin Dutreux | Vendée Globe 2024
Onboard #3 – Jérémie Beyou | CHARAL
