Vendée Globe: the rankings this Thursday, November 21 in the evening… leader Thomas Ruyant heads towards the equator

Thomas Ruyant heads towards the equator. The 43-year-old northern skipper was the first to emerge from the Doldrums, an intertropical convergence zone known for its unstable weather which slowed down the fleet, after taking the lead in the Vendée Globe on Thursday.

At the 7:00 p.m. check-in this Thursday, the 43-year-old Northerner, 6th in the last Vendée Globe, was 13 miles ahead of the Briton Sam Goodchild after stealing the leader’s place from him during the night thanks to an option a little further away. ‘west well felt.

“In the middle of the night, over four hours, his speed was 16.9 knots, compared to 5 to 6 knots for Sam (Goodchild) and Sébastien (Simon, currently 4th),” explains Pierre Hays from the race director. “He managed to find a less complex passage and take advantage of it. »

In ambush, Charlie Dalin (Macif), Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB) and Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkea) remained threatening less than 60 miles from Rettant and this entire leading group was heading towards the equator which they had to pass in the night.

“It seems that we are now out of the Doldrums. In any case, it looks like it because it stabilizes! », appreciated Yoann Richomme, during the official session with the organizers. “The Pot was intense, with quite a few squalls and very unstable winds, both in strength and direction, but it was short,” said defending champion Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq).

Before diving into the South Atlantic off the coast of Brazil, the Vendée Globe sailors will, as tradition dictates, offer a little wine to Neptune and wish each other a smooth journey to the finish. The rear of the fleet has just begun its crossing of the Doldrums.