The fight rages at the top of the Vendée Globe. While they have been leading the fleet since December 21, Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkea) and Charlie Dalin (Macif) have not been able to break away from each other. 55 nautical miles ahead of his runner-up, 24 hours ago, Yoann Richomme is now only 1.81 nautical miles (or approximately 3 km) ahead of his rival from Le Havre, Monday December 30, at 3 p.m. .
Currently off the coast of Brazil, the two leading men could also see Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) return to the match. Disabled in the Pacific due to the loss of his right foil, the Vendéen made an excellent comeback from the Atlantic. In 24 hours, he went from being 533 nautical miles behind the leader to 254 nautical miles behind. After having bypassed the Falklands on the left – unlike the other competitors – his bet to follow the Brazilian coast seems to have succeeded.
Behind Thomas Ruyant (4th at 1396 nautical miles from the lead), the pursuers are playing musical chairs. Paul Mailhat (Biotherm), 7th, 24 hours ago moved up to fifth position, at the expense of Jérémie Beyou (Charal) who lost two places. Within this pack of five skippers, nothing is decided yet. Only 20 nautical miles separate 5th from 9th, Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable).
Victim of damage to his steering system on Friday, the title holder, Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq V), retired at 8 a.m., shortly after crossing Cape Horn. “I will have to make a technical stopover in Ushuaïa, because the starboard rear of Maître CoQ V is broken, the bottom of the hull is delaminated, coupled with my steering problems it was not possible to continue further”summarized the 52-year-old skipper, in a video sent to the media.
Now 17th in the ranking with this withdrawal, Isabelle Joschke (MACSF) is accumulating difficulties. Hampered by engine and mainsail problems, the Franco-German, still in the Pacific near Point Némo, lost her right foil.
“It’s going to be a race that will continue step by step, a different race, you have to deal with it, it really makes you sweat, but I have no choice, I hope that all the other glitches won’t handicap me further , and that the weather will be mild after the Horn”she lamented to the organization.
