In an electrifying moment for the Vendée Globe, Paprec Arkéa skipper Yoann Richomme has obliterated the solo 24-hour monohull distance record. Just one week after Nico Lunven ( HOLCIM-PRB ) set the previous benchmark, Richomme pushed the limits further, sailing 551.84 nautical miles in the 24 hours leading up to 08:30 UTC on November 20, 2024. However, after his record-breaking sprint, the transition to the Doldrums brought his momentum to a halt as he and other frontrunners were forced to contend with calm, nearly windless conditions.
From High-Speed Glory to the Doldrums
Richomme’s sprint was a masterclass in speed and efficiency. Navigating in near-perfect conditions, with wind speeds of around 17 knots and flat seas, he took full advantage of the design capabilities of his Finot-Conq boat. This allowed him to better Lunven’s record by 5.24 miles, pending official ratification by the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC).
However, the contrast was stark just hours later. As the fleet edged into the infamous Doldrums, Richomme found himself becalmed, moving at just 3 to 4 knots in sweltering heat and stifling humidity. Standing shirtless on deck, he shared his thoughts on the record-breaking feat during the Vendée Globe Round The World LIVE! show .
"It was pretty unexpected... I wasn’t even looking at beating the record because I thought the run would be less than 500 miles. But it worked out, and it’s always a pleasure to beat Nico Lunven (laughs). Unfortunately, it’s not paying off too much now as I’m stuck in a light spot. If there had been another 100 miles of breeze, I could have gone even further."
The Record’s Longevity
When asked about the durability of his record, Richomme was reflective:
"If we get a warm front ahead of a cold front on flat seas, the crewed record might even be within reach for a solo sailor. These boats now have such incredible speed potential. It’s about finding the right conditions."
His playful rivalry with Charlie Dalin ( MACIF Santé Prévoyance ), a long-time competitor, also came to the fore. As both skippers remained trapped in the same calm zone, Richomme joked, "As long as I’m out of here before Charlie, I don’t mind!"
Goodchild Leads a Close Pack
Meanwhile, British sailor Sam Goodchild ( VULNERABLE ) clings to the lead, despite being the first to slow down in the early hours of November 20. His closest rival, Sébastien Simon ( Groupe Dubreuil ), closed within three miles of the lead, while third-placed Lunven trailed 25 miles behind, making minimal progress.
With little lateral separation among the leaders, the first skipper to escape the Doldrums is likely to gain a significant advantage. Current forecasts suggest the leaders may spend up to 20 hours navigating the light and variable winds before breaking into the southeast trade winds, where speeds of 15 knots await.
The Doldrums: A Test of Skill and Endurance
Navigating the Doldrums is as mentally and physically exhausting as it is unpredictable. Violent squalls, torrential rain, and towering cumulonimbus clouds are interspersed with windless patches, requiring constant adjustments and vigilance. Assistant Race Director Jacques Caraës, speaking from experience, emphasised the challenge:
"In the Doldrums, sailors must juggle between sudden squalls and calm zones. This means continuously changing sails and staying alert to the slightest shift in wind."
Promising Conditions Ahead
Despite the frustrations of the Doldrums, the South Atlantic offers rare and enticing opportunities. Germany’s Boris Herrmann ( Malizia-Seaexplorer ) expressed cautious optimism, noting the potential for an unusually direct southeasterly course towards the Southern Ocean. The South Atlantic High is displaced eastward, creating a promising weather window.
Jacques Caraës described the forecast as "almost too good to be true," suggesting that record chasers could see conditions ideal for rapid progress. This possibility raises the question: could Richomme’s record be short-lived?
A Race Filled With Drama
As the Vendée Globe unfolds, Richomme’s record serves as a testament to the skill, strategy, and endurance required to compete at the highest level of solo sailing. But with the unpredictable nature of this race, new milestones may yet emerge as sailors push their boats and themselves to the limit.
Stay tuned as the action continues, and history is made on the world’s oceans.
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