Sébastien Marsset (Foussier) reflected on the shift: "No more flip-flops! Boots and oilskins are back out. It’s not just a change in pace; it’s a shift in life onboard," he reported. Marsset is currently diving south with a series of gybes, staying within a narrow band of wind, and has gained two places since yesterday.
“Things really picked up over the last few hours. There’s more wind than I expected, with gusts reaching up to 30 knots. The night is dark, and you can’t see the sea,” Marsset continued. He’s trying to find the most efficient sail configuration, adding, "At the moment, I’m unsure whether to reef once or twice. I used the masthead spinnaker for a long time—vigorous, but enjoyable. I need to be more patient, especially when the wind isn’t exactly as I’d like. If I keep pushing like this, I’ll wear myself out."
Marsset acknowledges the challenge of negotiating the Agulhas Current and monitoring the depressions forming ahead. "Routing options are still wide open. There’s plenty of room to play in different parts of the ocean, and it’ll be interesting to see how it all pans out."
Looking Ahead
Benjamin Dutreux (GUYOT Environnement & Water Family) is optimistic about entering the southern seas. "The gap between me and the boats ahead will shrink," he said. "Earlier, I got completely stopped while the boats behind kept moving, so they had a bit more wind. But the gap should be smaller now, and that promises a good match for the Indian Ocean. I’m hoping to close the distance and make some opportunities to come back."
As the race continues, the solo sailors are closely scrutinising weather forecasts, especially with a vigorous and complex low-pressure system expected by Wednesday. "This will be the first system to possibly bring swell over 7 metres in the race zone," explained Jacques Caraës, Race Director Deputy.
"The start in the Indian Ocean looks like it will be quite lively," continued Dutreux. "We’ll need to strike a balance—seeking strong winds in the depression without overdoing it. We need to move quickly but avoid unnecessary risks."
Tight Race at the Front
Throughout much of last night, Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) and Yoann Richomme (PAPREC-ARKEA) were neck and neck, speeds reaching up to 25 knots, with Richomme edging out a slight lead. Dalin commented, "It’s funny and incredible to be side by side in the middle of nowhere. We’re almost back in the Figaro days, though we’ve experienced this before in IMOCA. Last year, we finished first and second in the Fastnet Race with a five-minute gap."
Tough Decisions Ahead
Today, the leading group faces a tough decision: whether to pass north or south of the low-pressure system forecasted to hit mid-week. Normally, the choice would be clear—head north to avoid the worst of the weather, where seas are calmer and the winds more favourable. However, in this case, the northern route would involve a significant detour, making the decision less straightforward.
Dalin shared his thoughts on the dilemma: “Being pushed against the ice gate wouldn’t be fun, but what’s more concerning than wind strength is the sea state. Very strong winds with flat seas are not dangerous, but if the seas are rough, that changes things. I’m still waiting for the most up-to-date weather files to make my decision. For now, I’m not too worried, but the period of the waves is crucial to understand in relation to their height.”
[embed]https://images.boatingnz.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01212915/vg2024-2412010447-december-01-radio-session-with-mp3-eng-v.mp3[/embed]
01 December: Radio session with Charlie Dalin
As the race progresses, the decisions made now will prove pivotal in the sailors’ quest to reach the finish line. With fierce competition and unpredictable weather on the horizon, these solo sailors are preparing for what promises to be one of the most challenging stages of the race yet.
