On Christmas Day, the atmosphere on the high seas was electric as Yoann Richomme and Charlie Dalin achieved remarkable feats during the 2024 Vendée Globe Race. Richomme, commanding his boat, crossed the legendary Cape Horn at 00:27, followed closely by Dalin at 00:36, marking one of the closest finishes at this historic waypoint. The two skippers shattered the previous record set by Armel Le Cléac’h back in 2016 by over three days, leaving both sailors effusive with excitement.
"What an absolutely awesome moment! I never imagined rounding it under these conditions. There was 15 knots of wind, the swell pushing us... And I passed within two miles! My God, it was majestic!" Richomme exclaimed jubilation, embodying the thrill of the race.
Richomme's pride was palpable: "I’m really proud of myself and the whole team. This is truly rewarding. The hard part is done!" Yet, he remained grounded, aware of the challenges still to come. "The Horn is always tricky; you think, 'I just go left and head home,' but it’s still incredibly long!" Dalin echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the grueling nature of the course they are yet to navigate.
With their newly gained distance from the Cape Horn, the duo is now shifting focus to the Atlantic. According to race meteorologist Christian Dumard, the conditions seem favourable for Richomme and Dalin, allowing them to possibly reach latitude close to Rio de Janeiro by Sunday and return to the Northern Hemisphere by January 4.
Meanwhile, Sébastien Simon of Groupe Dubreuil is gearing up to round the Cape himself after dealing with arduous conditions. He is expected to pass the iconic landmark on December 26, between 7 and 9 AM Paris time. Simon expressed his eagerness: "I can’t wait! It’s such a huge milestone, meaning I’ve covered two-thirds of the course!" Recognizing the emotional importance of this passage on Christmas day, he remarked, "Not everyone gets to round Cape Horn on Christmas. It’s special, and it somewhat alleviates the sadness of being away from my family."
The unique experience of sailing during the holidays pushed some skippers, like Romain Attanasio (Fortinet – Best Western), to embrace the spirit of Christmas at sea. Attanasio decorated his boat modestly to lift morale, declaring, "That helps!" He humorously dressed as Santa, acknowledging moments of solitude but uplifted by messages from friends and family.
This year, the race has been characterized by extreme conditions. Some skippers have shared the seas with fellow competitors, creating unique interpersonal connections even miles away from land. The emotional weight of this holiday at sea was felt by many, yet their dedication to the race is unwavering.
For others, the feeling of lost opportunities loomed large as Yannick Bestaven, last year's champion, faced adversity. Just before Christmas, Bestaven suffered from significant damage to his equipment when one of his sails was compromised, leaving him frustrated and battling the elements. The intensity of the Vendée Globe is evident; even seasoned veterans can face setbacks at any moment. According to Bestaven, "Two hours of effort to save the sail — all ruined in one second. It’s brutal!"
The competition trusts their instincts and navigational skills as they navigate the myriad challenges from volatile weather to mental fortitude. The race covers over 45,000 kilometers around the globe, passing notable points such as Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn, undoubtedly one of the most treacherous segments of the competition.
The camaraderie and competition present during this race highlight the spirit of adventure and the testing nature of the Vendée Globe. For these sailors, it’s more than just races and records; it's about resilience and the passionate pursuit of their dreams, even when those dreams take them far from home and loved ones during this holiday season.
With the finish line still weeks away, and with their spirits buoyed by recent achievements, the leading pair of Richomme and Dalin continue their march toward victory, embodying the essence of perseverance and thrill encapsulated within the Vendée Globe.
