the skippers cross the equator and perpetuate a rite

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A new milestone has been reached for almost all of the Vendée Globe skippers.

Out of 39 sailors, 37 crossed the equatorthey now navigate on the South Seas.

The crossing of this imaginary line took place after a few days in the Doldrums.

It is then the opportunity to celebrate and toast with Neptune to invoke his protection and immortalize the passage.

Rum, calvados and chocolate for the first three

Thomas Ruyant was the first to cross this line after 11 days racing.

He took the opportunity to perpetuate the rite of passage which consists of pouring a drink into the ocean for Neptune in order to have his protection for the trip.

For the skipper of Vulnerable this offering took place in complete détentea flask by hand. “A little shot for the ocean, for the boat and a little shot of rum for the captain,” he smiled before taking a few sips.

Second in the race at that moment, Charlie Dalin honored its Norman roots by pouring calvados.

Sam Goodchild gave Neptune an unusual gift, a piece of chocolate.

A first for Violette Dorange

For the youngest in the race, this passage marks the beginning of the unknown.

In fact, Violette Dorange had never sailed in the South Atlantic.

This has now been done since November 23, 2024, 08 h 17local time.

“In less than a mile I’m in the South Atlantic!” It’s a crazy thing. » she exulted.

The young woman, euphoricalso immortalized this first time by rewarding the god of the sea with a few drops of wine.

Son « little father », the boat, also benefited greatly from it.

Two boats still in the Southern Hemisphere

If the majority of the fleet has passed through the South Seas, Jingkun Xu, 38th in score for Sunday, November 24, 11 a.m. is still at 120 in which from the equator.

The Hungarian skipper, Szabolcs Weöres, is still far from the line since aftertwo days offin the Canaries to repair his mainsail, he brings up the rear.

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