Les Sables-d’Olonne, France: The Vendee Globe’s 24-hour solo monohull distance record was shattered once again on Monday, as frontrunners in the race capitalized on near-perfect sailing conditions. Yoann Richomme reclaimed the record he set just five days earlier, covering an astonishing 579.86 nautical miles in a single day.
Record-Breaking Feats
Richomme’s exceptional performance led a flurry of record-breaking runs by competitors, including Thomas Ruyant, Nicolas Lunven, Charlie Dalin, Sébastien Simon, and Jérémie Beyou. The fleet, propelled by steady 17-20 knot winds and navigating flat seas, pushed their vessels to the limit to stay within a fast-moving low-pressure system that is catapulting them toward the Southern Ocean.
High Stakes and Tight Competition
As the leaders work to maintain their position within the rapidly shifting weather system, tensions rise. Romain Attanasio, currently in 16th place, humorously described the dynamics of the race: “It is a bit like in life, the rich get richer!”
At the forefront, Dalin and Ruyant have widened the gap from the chasing pack to 273 nautical miles. Ruyant, currently in second place, described the experience as both thrilling and perilous. “We’re not going fast just to break the record but to stay in the best position with this depression. The boat feels like it’s going at Mach 12, and survival comes down to being cautious, staying crouched, and holding on,” he said, noting bursts of speed reaching 32 knots.
Survival Over Celebration
The intense pace has left little room for celebration. “The game right now is staying with this depression,” Attanasio explained. “Behind us, it’s soft, and to leeward, we’re unsure, so we avoid stepping out of this system.”
Despite the pressure, Attanasio expressed optimism, citing a second depression tracking behind the fleet as a potential fallback. “The Saint Helena high is reforming and will pass quickly in front of us, so we shouldn’t get trapped in the middle,” he added.
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The Vendee Globe Challenge
The Vendee Globe, known as the Everest of the seas, is a solo, non-stop, and unassisted sailing race around the world. The grueling route spans approximately 24,000 nautical miles, starting and finishing in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France.
Forty skippers, representing a record 11 nationalities and including six female competitors, embarked on the race on November 10. Competitors face extreme conditions, testing both their physical and mental endurance.
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The previous edition was won by Frenchman Yannick Bestaven, who completed the course in 80 days, 3 hours, and 44 minutes.
