Dalin leads into familiar waters
Dalin crossed the equator on Sunday afternoon at 14:38 UTC, taking 56 days, 2 hours, and 36 minutes since the start of the race. His time from Cape Horn to the equator—12 days and 15 hours—was just shy of Boris Herrmann's 2020-21 record of 11 days and 18 hours. Having led at key stages, including Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Point Nemo, Dalin now holds a 123-mile lead over Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA). While the SE trade winds have been favourable, Richomme has gained slightly over the past 24 hours, ensuring a thrilling contest as both skippers push towards the finish line.
Smiling in third
Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil), holding third place, is enjoying smoother conditions along the Brazilian coast despite racing without a starboard foil. Reflecting on his position, Simon remarked:
“It’s been an incredible race. I can’t wait to cross the finish line and fully appreciate it.”
Simon remains focused, determined to consolidate his podium spot as he navigates the challenges ahead.
Fleet dynamics and Cape Horn challenges
The fleet behind Dalin continues to show dynamic movements. Jean Le Cam (Tout Commence en Finistère – Armor Lux) is closing in on competitors Romain Attanasio (Fortinet Best Western, 14th) and Damien Seguin (Groupe APICIL, 15th) after rounding Cape Horn for the seventh time.
Further back, Alan Roura (Hublot) celebrated his third Cape Horn rounding despite facing challenging 55-knot winds. Reflecting on his achievement, Roura shared:
“In the life of a sailor, you cry three times: when you buy a boat, when you round Cape Horn, and when you sell your boat. This moment makes all the tough times worthwhile.”
Meanwhile, skippers like Isabelle Joschke (MACSF) and Giancarlo Pedote (Prysmian) are approaching Cape Horn cautiously, slowing their pace to avoid the worst of an incoming depression.
Shifting strategies and the final push
Tactics are evolving as skippers navigate the North Atlantic. Some, like Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE) and Paul Meilhat (Biotherm), have chosen an eastern route, while Jérémie Beyou (Charal) experiments with a westerly course. This divergence marks a shift in the close collaboration between Beyou and Nicolas Lunven (HOLCIM - PRB), who have sailed together since the South Atlantic.
The back of the fleet faces its own challenges, including iceberg sightings and the unpredictable weather near Cape Horn. Tanguy Le Turquais (Lazare) shared his struggles with fatigue and poor visibility, emphasising the mental toughness required to persevere.
The race to the finish
With favourable conditions forecast for the leaders, the Vendée Globe winner is expected to cross the finish line between 14 and 16 January. While Charlie Dalin remains in the lead, the close competition with Yoann Richomme promises an exhilarating final chapter to this extraordinary race. For now, the sailors continue to navigate their paths, each step bringing them closer to the ultimate goal—a triumphant return to Les Sables-d’Olonne and the completion of a remarkable journey.
