If Yoann Richomme's New Year's sunset was very beautiful, the conditions that the skipper of “Paprec Arkéa” is encountering for the start of 2025 are not very simple. “We are in difficult conditions: there are two meters of waves in ten knots of wind,” explains Richomme, his features a little drawn before adding: “I try to move the boat forward as best I can. Progress will continue to be slow in the Atlantic. You have to be patient.”
“You have to be opportunistic”
If he fell slightly behind Charlie Dalin, the latter does not seem to be doing any better in this complex area and with light winds for a few more days: “In this type of place, we sail by sight and, ultimately, quite different from what we are used to. You have to be a little opportunistic, adapt to what happens but also know how to detach yourself a little from the files, which is not necessarily easy.”
Especially after 52 days at sea and the fatigue that is attacking. But some 4,000 miles from Les Sables d'Olonne, the two solo sailors are hanging on. Ahead, there are still 24 hours before we hope to catch somewhat stronger trade winds… The latest routings still indicate a good fortnight of sailing before the finish line. With a passage through the Doldrums, the equator and the rise of the North Atlantic… so many traps!
