As of this afternoon, Ruyant holds a slim 6.5-mile lead over Goodchild, marking the first time he has led in his third Vendée Globe campaign. Meanwhile, other competitors like Pip Hare ( Medallia ) are making significant gains further down the fleet, keeping the race as unpredictable as ever.
Ruyant’s Strategic Mastery
Ruyant’s success lies in his ability to navigate the complexities of the Doldrums, using his western position to tap into favourable breezes. His swift exit from the windless zone is reminiscent of his 2020 Vendée Globe performance, where he trailed Alex Thomson at the Equator but capitalised on a South Atlantic low to break away from the pack.
This year’s race appears to mirror those past dynamics, as the fleet eyes a developing low-pressure system north of Rio de Janeiro. If caught, this weather system could catapult the leaders towards the Cape of Good Hope at breakneck speed.
While Ruyant has gained the lead, Goodchild, sailing an older generation boat, may have an advantage in the short term with a faster wind angle. The pair remains close, converging as they move southward.
Pip Hare’s Calculated Gains
The biggest mover in the fleet is British skipper Pip Hare , who has climbed to 13th place, slashing her deficit from 250 nautical miles yesterday morning to just 80 miles this afternoon. Hare attributes her progress to sharp decision-making and diligent cloud management, taking full advantage of her western position.
“I had quite a good night,” Hare shared. “Being in the west is the better option, and yesterday, I was really vigilant with clouds. I had a satellite image up all the time, and it’s incredible how accurate it is. I skirted around things and think that really helped me. All I need to do is keep in touch and think my way through opportunities as they arise.”
Despite competing in an older boat, Hare continues to prove that smart tactics and meticulous attention to detail can make a significant impact in a field dominated by cutting-edge designs.
Head today's daily Radio chat with Pip (a different Skipper each day) - she is a powerful woman!
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Mixed Fortunes Across the Fleet
Other skippers have faced mixed fortunes in the Doldrums. Yoann Richomme ( PAPREC ARKÉA ), who set a new solo monohull 24-hour distance record yesterday, struggled to make a clean escape. “We were in there for 24 hours, with 12-15 hours in really tough conditions,” he reported. “It was slow, but by tomorrow morning, I’ll have crossed the Equator for the first time solo.”
For Richomme, the South Atlantic promises an opportunity to regain momentum. “It could be very fast without being very violent. The situation allows us to cut across the South Atlantic quickly, breaking away from the group behind.”
Meanwhile, Yannick Bestaven ( Maître CoQ V ), winner of the last Vendée Globe, reflected on the Doldrums' intensity but remains optimistic. “It feels like a new start,” he said, echoing the sentiment of many skippers looking ahead to the next phase of the race.
The Race To The Equator
The next milestone for the fleet is crossing the Equator, a key psychological marker in this gruelling round-the-world challenge. Most skippers expect to make the crossing tonight, setting up a high-speed drag race through the south-easterly trade winds toward Brazil.
The real prize, however, lies in catching the developing low-pressure system. This weather pattern could serve as a launching pad for the leaders, enabling them to accelerate towards the Kerguelen Islands, just as Alex Thomson and Armel Le Cléac’h did in the 2016-2017 edition.
“It’s a good prospect,” Richomme noted. “It will work for a lot of people, but it will cause a real break with the group behind.”
Challenges Persist For Some
Not all competitors have been as fortunate. Several skippers remain bogged down in the Doldrums, with inconsistent winds and sweltering heat testing their patience. Among them, Hungarian sailor Szabolcs Weöres ( New Europe ) suffered a setback after burning his hand while heating water, underscoring the relentless challenges of life at sea.
For these sailors, the escape from the Doldrums may still be 36 hours away, leaving them at risk of missing the crucial weather window to catch the South Atlantic low.
The Road Ahead
With the fleet now scattered across the South Atlantic, every tactical decision counts. The leaders, led by Ruyant and Goodchild, are pushing hard to maintain their advantage as they close in on the Equator. Meanwhile, sailors like Pip Hare and Yoann Richomme are proving that smart strategy can level the playing field in this highly competitive race.
As the Vendée Globe progresses, the stakes will only intensify. From the Doldrums to the Cape of Good Hope, the race remains as unpredictable as the oceans themselves.
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