SiFi indicates that the Doldrums could be chaotic and warns about Dalin
by Ed Gorman / IMOCA Globe Series 20 Nov 12:25 PST
20 November 2024
Simon ‘SiFi’ Fisher © Jean-Louis Carli / IMOCA
Simon Fisher emphasizes that the Doldrums could significantly disrupt the leading boats, and cautions to keep an eye on Charlie Dalin, as this intriguing Vendée Globe enters its 10th day.
As the navigator for the IMOCA that triumphed in The Ocean Race, 11th Hour Racing Team, “SiFi” has been observing the race unfold while the 39-boat fleet contends with a low-pressure system in the eastern Atlantic, disrupting the trade winds.
Fisher notes that the top group of 12 boats, led by Britain’s Sam Goodchild aboard Vulnerable, has recently been enjoying strong north-easterly winds, but the Doldrums, known for their unpredictable winds and squalls, appear to be a potential hindrance as leaders enter this area tonight.
“The leading group had better-than-anticipated trade winds just last night and were achieving impressive speeds. However, they’re now starting to slow,” Fisher informed the Class from Amsterdam, where he is attending the Yacht Racing Forum.
“They will likely encounter the Doldrums around six or seven degrees north. Satellite images from this morning show a nearly 300-nautical-mile stretch from the entry to the exit of the Doldrums, with significant convective activity.”
Fisher predicts that the leaders may face increased competition from those trailing behind, including Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil, +11.9), Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance, +31.2), and Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA, +31.8). “They are all positioned fairly far to the west. I expect to see notable compression at the front of the fleet today, especially as they approach the Doldrums. It could get quite chaotic, potentially stirring things up,” Fisher remarked.
The group trailing Goodchild is relatively tightly grouped, but two boats – Nico Lunven’s Holcim-PRB (+34.3) and Thomas Ruyant’s VULNERABLE (+51.4) – have positioned themselves further west, 70 and 100 miles respectively. Fisher suggests this could be advantageous if the Doldrums are narrower in that direction, but this remains uncertain.
“Generally, at this stage, the lane you have is the lane you have. If you’re Sam, you’d likely maintain the same strategy, but a touch more westward might yield benefits, particularly for Thomas. It’s somewhat left to chance,” Fisher stated.
Before the race commenced, Fisher collaborated with Dalin on his routing decisions in the Atlantic and continues to monitor his progress. He noted that Dalin, along with Richomme and Jérémie Beyou (Charal, +53.0), lost some positions by moving west to bypass the lighter winds south of Madeira, but their strategy paid off.
“It was Yoann, Charlie, and Jérémie facing some unfavorable rankings, as they had to wait for a shift. Yet, their choice to head west is now allowing them to move south more efficiently,” Fisher explained.
“I’ve been closely following Charlie,” he added. “He’s performing very well. He started with great speed and, despite some randomness affecting positions, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him surge forward as the race continues.”
Fisher has been impressed by Goodchild’s performance in his first Vendée Globe, consistently maintaining a lead or placing high during the turbulent past few days.
“Sam has been executing an excellent race,” he mentioned. “It seems he’s been running his own race without getting overly affected by the fleet’s activities. He’s effectively maneuvering and taking calculated risks, which has greatly benefited him. His speed and solid boat are enabling him to enjoy the competition and perform well—great to witness.”
Fisher is also following Sébastien Simon aboard Fisher’s former Ocean Race-winning vessel, appreciating Simon’s consistent presence in the race. Additionally, he highlights Justine Mettraux of Teamwork-Team SNEF in 10th, trailing Goodchild by 65 miles, praising her solid performance post their collaboration during the 2021 IMOCA season.
“She’s clearly enjoying her time on the boat,” he said. “Her determination and grit make her performance at the front not surprising. It’s great to see.”
He believes this race is compelling due to the numerous potential winners. “With fluctuating conditions and plenty of unpredictability, it’s shaping into an exciting contest. The competitive roster is extensive, including Yannick Bestaven (Maître-Coq in 6th), Paul Meilhat (Biotherm, 12th), and Sam Davies (Initiatives-Coeur, 11th), all approaching the lead group,” Fisher stressed.
Record Achieved
Propelled by a steady trade wind and smooth sea, Yoann Richomme recorded a remarkable 551.84 miles from 9:30 a.m. yesterday to the same time today (equivalent to 1,022 kilometers). On the brink of his eleventh racing day in the Vendée Globe, the skipper of IMOCA PAPREC ARKEA surpassed the previous record held by Nicolas Lunven (Holcim – PRB) during the same event by 5.24 miles. This achievement awaits official validation from the WSSRC.
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