Vendée Globe Race Monday Update: No Go Zone
by Vendée Globe media 2 Dec 09:05 PST
2 December 2024
Clarisse Crémer – Vendée Globe 2024 © Clarisse Crémer #VG2024
At times, the quickest and most efficient route on the Vendée Globe course isn’t the shortest. Typically, it is, but occasionally a significant and harsh obstacle arises, necessitating cautious avoidance that often results in sailing additional miles.
This is the situation for the leaders in the tenth edition of the solo non-stop around-the-world race. Now deep in the Indian Ocean, a strong depression expected Wednesday-Thursday is set to produce winds exceeding 50 knots and rough, disordered seas, prompting the need for avoidance strategies.
“It’s a bit complicated. Our goal is to position ourselves wisely to handle this oncoming depression and to find winds that we can work with,” explained current Vendée Globe champion Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ V) today.
Yesterday, it appeared there were still two routes available, but the 2020-2021 race winner today warned, “There’s no longer a passage to the south.” This was confirmed by Christian Dumard, the race’s weather consultant:
“All solo sailors will logically pass to the north of the system. Heading south would mean enduring the system for much longer, with more wind, larger seas, and eventually finding themselves upwind.”
Hot Potato
Taking the longer northern route is far from ideal but keeps them safe from 65-knot gusts and ten-meter waves, though it will add up to 500 miles to their course as they navigate north of the Kerguelen archipelago. However, the leading trio—Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance), Yoann Richomme (PAPREC-ARKEA), and Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil)—are likely to encounter the widening system as they head east, leaving them with limited options.
The skippers behind them—Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE), Jérémie Beyou (Charal), Nicolas Lunven (Holcim – PRB), Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE), and Yannick Bestaven—still have the option to head north. “We will still face 40-45 knots, which is strong but ultimately similar to usual rough conditions in the south,” summarized Bestaven, who is preparing to face the first ‘hot potato’ of his Vendée Globe.
“Today is boat inspection day. Preparations for the severe weather are underway as we ready the appropriate smaller sails,” said Bestaven, who is taking advantage of the moderate conditions to secure everything and prepare. This approach is also necessary for those trailing him who will encounter the system first.
Roura Sets Up
“We’re truly entering the thick of things in the Vendée Globe. For us, rounding the Cape of Good Hope is going to be quite challenging, and when I see what the frontrunners are facing, it’s clear we’re all in the same boat. With a bit of a time lag, we’re going to feel the impact,” concluded Alan Roura (Hublot).
While he’s not looking forward to the tough conditions on his sturdy Malizia Seaexplorer, Germany’s Boris Herrmann is gaining confidence and making progress. He crossed the longitude of the Cape of Good Hope at 1433 hours UTC in 12th place, but shortly thereafter moved up to 11th.
He reported today, “The sea state through the Agulhas current has been challenging, and it’s difficult to keep the boat moving efficiently. I’m unsure about the next few days because between 100% and 90% of our polars (potential optimal speed) lies two entirely different scenarios. If I go fast, close to 100%, I can head east; if slower, I risk getting closer to low pressure and potentially end up upwind, hence I’m trying to stick to the faster easterly route, but I need to take it step by step since the situation changes frequently.”
Herrmann added, “We’re experiencing 26 to 29 knots, which is quite a decent wind, and we’re already moving fast—more wind doesn’t significantly increase that. However, the sea state is crucial in this part of the Indian Ocean, and I’m eager to get east, get into the rhythm of the south, and build my confidence. This feels like a restart for me—the real Vendée Globe has begun, and I aim to make it all the way to Cape Horn by the first of January. I passed Justine this morning, just half a mile away, so I gained on her overnight.”
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