As of January 6, Yoann Richomme narrowed the gap with Charlie Dalin, leader of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe. The two skippers engage in a fierce battle in the Atlantic after crossing the equator. Who will emerge victorious from this duel at the top?
The tenth edition of the Vendée Globe, the legendary solo round-the-world race, is in full swing at the start of 2025. For the past week, it has been sailor Charlie Dalin who has been leading the way at the head of the fleet. But in his wake, a certain Yoann Richomme is not giving up and has even significantly reduced his gap on the leader. An epic duel that promises to keep us in suspense.
Richomme returns 86 miles from Dalin
At the 7 a.m. check-in this Monday, January 6, 2025, Yoann Richomme was 86 nautical miles behind Charlie Dalin. That’s almost 200 miles less than 24 hours ago. On its monohull Macif Santé Prévoyancethe 36-year-old leader seems to be slowing down in a zone of weak winds, while Richomme benefits from a slightly stronger wind to the south. And the trend could well increase in the coming days.
Heading for Cape Verde and the open sea
After crossing the equator during the night from Sunday to Monday, the two leading men are now heading towards the Cape Verde Islands. They will find more regular wind conditions there with the famous trade winds. An opportunity for Yoann Richomme to continue to gain ground on his rival. Because with more than 20,000 miles still to go to Les Sables d’Olonne, nothing is decided!
Sébastien Simon and the pursuers on the lookout
Behind this infernal duo, Sébastien Simon still completes the provisional podium aboard Dubreuil Group. The 30-year-old sailor manages to keep up the pace despite his damaged foil. He remains on the lookout in case the leaders slacken. Ditto for the pack of pursuers led by Thomas Ruyant, Jérémie Beyou and Sam Goodchild, all grouped in less than 30 miles. A fierce battle looms in the southern seas.
This Vendée Globe promises to be particularly contested and indecisive. We have rarely seen so many boats still in the race for victory at this stage. Each strategic option can change the race.
An offshore racing expert contacted by telephone
Express return to Bestaven, Le Cam struggling
Among the highlights of the last 24 hours, we will note the comeback express de Yannick Bestaven. The winner of the 2021 edition had to make a 4-day technical stopover in Brazil following damage. Having left 25th, it is already in 17th position thanks to paid options along the South American coasts. Proof that nothing is lost for Rochelais.
On the other hand, it is more complicated for the dean Jean Le Cam, relegated to more than 1000 miles from the leader. The 66-year-old navigator encounters autopilot problems on his old Yes We Cam!. It’s not easy in these conditions to follow the hellish pace imposed at the front of the race. But with all his experience, “King John” is capable of turning the tide.
A world tour full of twists and turns
Since the start on November 12, this 10th edition of the Vendée Globe has kept all its promises. Varied weather conditions, strategic options, technical problems… The 38 solo sailors in the running must work hard at all times to stay in the race. And the gaps are closing day by day, promising a breathtaking second part of the world tour.
- 5 skippers have already abandoned, including 2 for dismasting
- 27 sailors sail in the southern hemisphere, 11 still in the north
- 3 records for distance traveled in 24 hours have already been broken
With 80% of the journey still to go, the twists and turns will continue to come. Gaps can be created or erased very quickly in this legendary race where competitors constantly push their limits. Final answer in a little over 2 months in Les Sables d’Olonne, conditions permitting. Until then, the suspense remains!
The hot reactions of the two leaders
In the early morning, Charlie Dalin confided his state of mind by telephone:
Clearly I feel the pressure building with Yoann coming back strongly behind. But I remain focused on my trajectory. I know the race is still very long. You have to maintain mental freshness despite fatigue.
Charlie Dalin, leader at 7 a.m.
A slightly different story from his pursuer Yoann Richomme:
I am finding sensations on my boat and good conditions to attack. The objective is clear: continue to scrounge and get ahead as soon as possible! Nothing is set in stone, everything can happen very quickly. I believe in it wholeheartedly.
Yoann Richomme, 2nd, 86 miles from the leader
Two states of mind well summarizing the intensity of the duel currently being played out at the head of the 2025 Vendée Globe. One thing is certain, on sea and on land, this 10th edition will continue to thrill us. Next key step: passing the Cape of Good Hope in around ten days. Until then, anything can happen. Stay tuned!
