Vendée Globe | Dalin keeps Richomme at bay

(Paris) Launched in the final sprint of 10^e Vendée Globe, Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) kept his runner-up Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) at bay during the day on Tuesday.

At the 7 p.m. check-in, off the coast of Cape Verde, the leader was 135 miles ahead of his pursuer, who was sailing slightly slower at the end of the day.

The leading duo of this world tour was heading straight for the Azores, which they should reach on Thursday, after having swallowed the Doldrums in less than 24 hours.

“There, it’s simple, it’s straight ahead for two days in the trade winds up to the Azores anticyclone. Once we get there, I have the impression that Charlie will be a little stronger, it’s difficult to estimate,” Richomme told the organizers.

Sébastien Simon (Dubreuil Group), 3^ehas reduced its delay on the leading duo despite a boat limping on its only port foil, but is still 670 miles behind Dalin.

Much further south, the bulk of the fleet is still rounding Cape Horn, the last reference mark of the journey to port, and is preparing to face a violent storm in the days to come.

“It’s a depression that circulates quickly, with cold winds of 40 knots coming from Antarctica, gusts of 50 knots,” said Christian Dumard, meteorologist for the race.

And it is also an additional difficulty to manage for Eric Bellion (Stand AS One-Altavia) who will have to deal with it by dealing with a damage to his sail system, reported to the race direction on Tuesday.