Charlie Dalin is taking advantage of the transition to 2025 to widen the gap on Yoann Richomme in the Vendée Globe. The leading duo found some wind after a dead calm. Dalin is ahead of Richomme by 79 nautical miles as of January 1st. The suspense remains…
At the dawn of this new year, the battle rages on the waters of the Vendée Globe. After crossing an area of flat calm, the two leaders of the race, Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) and Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa), found some buoyant winds. An opportunity that the skipper of Macif was able to seize to outrun his closest rival.
Dalin widens the gap, Richomme doesn't give up
At the 8 a.m. clock on January 1, 2025, Charlie Dalin counted 79 nautical miles aheador approximately 146 km, on Yoann Richomme. A chasm which widened in the space of a few hours, Dalin having almost doubled his lead since the previous evening.
We found some wind for the passage in 2025, and that clearly benefited me first.
– Charlie Dallin
But nothing is decided yet. Richomme, renowned for his mental steel, does not intend to let the leader slip away so easily. “ I remain focused on my trajectory and my speed, the race is still long », declared the skipper of Paprec Arkéa to his team on land.
The battle for 3rd place intensifies
Behind the leading duo, Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) completes the provisional podium. But the skipper is under threat from several suitors:
- Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable), 4th at 1400 miles
- Paul Meilhat (Biotherm), 5th at 1649 miles
- A compact peloton from 5th to 10th place in less than 150 miles
Although Simon has considerably reduced his delay in recent days, he is now slightly behind. A hard blow for the navigator who had chosen a route closer to the Brazilian coast, unlike his direct competitors who went further offshore.
Van Weynbergh dead last but still in the race
At the other end of the ranking, Belgian Denis Van Weynbergh (D'Ieteren Group) brings up the rear. Currently off the coast of Tasmania, it has only recently passed this crossing point that the majority of the fleet had passed several days earlier.
Despite his delay, Van Weynbergh keeps his spirits up and pursues his dream of completing this solo round-the-world trip. “ It's a unique experience, I live exceptional moments even if it's not always easy », Confided the Belgian sailor.
Towards a breathtaking arrival
As the boats set off to attack the Pacific Ocean, the gaps remain slim at the front of the race. Charlie Dalin has opened up a significant gap, but his pursuers are only one strategic error or damage away from losing their place in the standings.
We should have an exciting finish in Les Sables d'Olonne, every mile will count until the end.
– A Vendée Globe expert
Sailors will now have to deal with the pitfalls of the Pacific: depressions, gigantic waves, but also feared calm areas. An explosive cocktail which could redistribute the cards in this 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, strewn with twists and turns since its departure last November.
