After 40 days at sea more than 800 miles separate the leading trio – Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance), Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA) and Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) – from their pursuers. Nevertheless, this second group which extends from Thomas Ruyant (VULNERABLE, 4th) to Justine Mettraux (TeamWork-Team Snef, 11th) is progressing in the same giant low pressure system as the leaders.
Vendée Globe weather consultant, Christian Dumard explains: “The first group are ahead of a small front which is part of this large depression system. The others are progressing around an anticyclone and are all starting to advance in this system. It is therefore the same weather system from Charlie Dalin to Justine Mettraux. Let’s hope it lasts!”
Today’s priority for the leading trio is to manage a wind rotation from north west to south west in a weather front that will force a gybe onto starboard tack. After a week of intense racing with his two rivals, in which he briefly lost the lead while carrying out a sail repair that took 36 hours, Dalin remains resolutely upbeat:
“Everything is going well – we are at the front of the front and we have a great angle towards the east. I think the gap is going to widen slightly with Sébastien. I’ve got a long stretch with no manoeuvres, which is good – it’s easier to sleep and to recover, get energy back. We had some sunshine during the day, so this gives you a bit of energy when you have a bit of sunshine and instantly it gets a bit better. The Pacific was pretty good in that respect – we often had a little sun between the clouds.” – CharlieDalin, MACIF Santé Prévoyance
“I’m happy to be in the lead, happy to have a boat in a very good state for the Atlantic stretch. I am starting to do my routings in the Atlantic, it’s cool!” Dalin adds. “We have a significant lead over the others and it’s easier to manage three boats than a fleet.”
Dalin also says that in this edition of the race he has, “always been in a racing mode and never had to switch to survival mode. Just a good racing mode all the way. On board, I live my own little life and I never feel alone. What is impressive is the speed at which the days go by. I can’t get over it.”
@VendeeGlobe
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