The Vendée Globe race is heating up as leaders Yoann Richomme and Charlie Dalin edge closer to Cape Horn, with records set to be shattered but fatigue looming large for the competitors.
With the Vendée Globe race now entering its sixth week, Richomme, sailing aboard PAPREC ARKÉA, and Dalin of MACIF Santé Prévoyance are prepared to round Cape Horn late on December 23 or early December 24, 2024. Both competitors are poised to break previous records, with Richomme nearly 1,200 miles ahead of the pace set by Armel Le Cléac'h back in 2016. The current competition between the two is fierce, yet both skippers are acutely aware of the toll the grueling race takes on their bodies and minds.
Fatigue is not just palpable; it's universal among the racers. "The underlying tiredness is never relieved by any number of naps chained together or even longer sleep periods," stated Vendée Globe media. Richomme and Dalin will soon enjoy relief as they transition to the Atlantic, hoping to emerge from this arduous South with their spirits buoyed, much like children anticipating Christmas gifts.
Both sailors may also set new records for the Tasmania to Cape Horn route, previously held by François Gabart, who completed the passage in 14 days, 11 hours, and 8 minutes. Richomme is expected to do so upon reaching Cape Horn, which would be yet another milestone achieved during this year's race.
Meanwhile, third-placed Seb Simon, competing on Groupe Dubreuil, faces fatigue as well as mechanical challenges. "I'm glad I stopped gybing along the Antarctic Exclusion Zone. It was a real pain. Now, I'm tackling a long 1,400-mile route to Cape Horn. I can't wait to round it, because rounding it means the end of the Southern Ocean. It also means a great Christmas present and a new race," Simon reflected on his arduous adventure, summarizing the bittersweet struggle faced by all competitors.
Simon, recovering from the rigors of racing with his missing starboard foil, expects to round Cape Horn approximately half-a-day behind the leaders. He is determined not only to complete the race but also maintain podium status as he navigates through challenging conditions.
Further back, competitors like Sam Davies aboard Initiatives-Cœurs are feeling the weight of long hours at sea. "With the passage of time, everything becomes mechanical," Davies remarked, alluding to the mental and physical toll of the race. Moving around on board becomes increasingly difficult; every maneuver demands concentration, balance, and endurance.
Nicolas Lunven, representing Holcim - PRB and currently situated among the top ten, emphasized the wear on his body. "For my part, I would speak more of wear and tear than fatigue," he noted, acknowledging how he's managed to maintain progress amid various challenges, including mechanical repairs and weather disturbances.
With weather conditions contributing to the demanding race, different crews must navigate the waves set forward by approaching lows and storm systems. Lunven cautioned, "The road promises to be really bumpy. The average is probably 16 knots and gusts at 35!" The incoming storm could pose significant hazards just as it does for many teams striving to keep their boats intact.
The grueling nature of the Vendée Globe race tests limits but also showcases the resilience and competitive spirit of those sailing. Even as fatigue sets in, there's the promise of triumph at Cape Horn. More updates on the race are set to follow as the sailors progress toward the conclusion of this monumental event.
