Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB), one of the leaders of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, covered 546.60 miles (1.1012 km) between Tuesday and Wednesday down the North Atlantic off the coast of Portugal, a new record for a monohull sailboat. In the space of 24 hours, the Breton sailor, twice winner of the Solitaire du Figaro, went from 38th place on Tuesday to 5th at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, thanks to an option much further west than his competitors, who has proven to be profitable.
His average speed over one day was recorded at 22.66 knots (41 km/h), three knots more than the current leader Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) on whom he was falling in the afternoon. . Nicolas Lunven set off for his first solo round-the-world trip on Sunday from Sables-d'Olonne.
Arrived at the helm of Holcim-PRB only a year ago, replacing sailor Kevin Escoffier mired in an investigation for a possible sexual assault. he explained to AFP that he was delighted to set off with a “proven, versatile and very efficient” sailboat. The blue and black imoca was already the 24-hour crewed record holder with 640.48 miles during the 5th stage of The Ocean Race in 2023, at an average speed of 26.68 knots.
Solo, Nicolas Lunven beat the record set by Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable) during the Return to Base (540 miles) in 2023.
Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) took the lead in the Vendée Globe on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday. The Frenchman is ahead of Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) and Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable), respectively 12.91 and 23.00 nautical miles behind the leader.
