Yoann Richomme and Charlie Dalin pass Cape Horn, their joys in pictures

A legendary Cape Horn for Yoann Richomme and Charlie Dalin, nine minutes apart in this Vendée Globe. Videos and photos show the euphoria of the two skippers in the face of this feat. The battle to ascend the Atlantic promises to be thrilling.

“We made it to Cape Horn! And in the lead!” Yoann Richomme is all smiles. The skipper of Paprec Arkéa has secured a provisional leadership position and a stratospheric time: 43 days, 11 hours, 25 minutes and 20 seconds between Les Sables d'Olonne and the tip of Cape Horn. A shattered record. It improves Armel Le Cléac'h's old time by 3 days, 13 hours, 9 minutes and 26 seconds.

Yoann Richomme reached the legendary milestone on the night of December 23 at 11:27 p.m. Only 9 minutes and 30 seconds ahead of Charlie Dalin. Never seen before in a Vendée Globe! For the record, in 2012, François Gabart and Armel Le Cléac'h were separated by 1 hour 20 minutes. Charlie Dalin, at the helm of Macif Santé Prévoyance, signed a passage time of 43 days, 11 hours, 34 minutes and 50 seconds.

A historic performance. “A feat!”ignites the organization, which sent a team to immortalize this extraordinary moment. The two leaders literally flew over the race, leaving the rest of the fleet far behind.

“What a moment! Absolutely great. So much excitement to cross the Horn, it's magnificent. I never imagined crossing it in such conditions!” Enthusiastic, the leader confided in a voice message sent to the race organization.

Carried by a 15 knot wind, Richomme “shaved” Cape Horn, just two nautical miles from its dizzying 400 meter drop. His photos, sent to race management, demonstrate unique conditions for these latitudes: blue-gray sky, perfect visibility. An almost calm sea. A dream painting.

Read. “They go twice as fast”, a possible arrival of the Vendée Globe around January 15, 2024

While Yoann Richomme exults, Charlie Dalin remains focused. In the photo sent during his visit, the skipper of Macif Santé Prévoyance, second in the ranking, displays a clenched fist and a determined look. His message is clear: he will not give up.

Charlie Dalin, who had crossed the Capes of Good Hope (November 29) and Leeuwin (December 9) in the lead, intends to regain control before returning to Les Sables.

Heading for the Atlantic now. The two men embark on a breathtaking climb. A battle at the top for a finale that already promises to be grandiose.

Find the live ranking and the progress of the race on our interactive map.