Nicolas Lunven Sets New Vendée Globe Record
In an impressive display of sailing prowess, Nicolas Lunven, sailing aboard the Holcim-PRB, has set a new record for the distance covered by a monohull yacht in a single day during the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe. Between Tuesday and Wednesday, Lunven covered an astounding 546.60 miles (1,101.2 km) in the North Atlantic, off the coast of Portugal. This remarkable achievement not only showcases Lunven's skill but also the capabilities of his vessel, which he described as "proven, versatile, and high-performance."
Lunven's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. He made a significant leap in the rankings, moving from 38th place on Tuesday to 5th place by the 11:00 a.m. time limit on Wednesday. His average speed was recorded at 22.66 knots (41 km/h), surpassing the current leader Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) by three knots. This strategic move to take a more westerly route than his competitors proved to be advantageous, allowing him to close in on Richomme as the race progressed.
Background on Nicolas Lunven and Holcim-PRB
Nicolas Lunven is no stranger to competitive sailing, being a two-time winner of the Solitaire du Figaro. He embarked on his first solo round-the-world race on Sunday from Les Sables-d'Olonne. Lunven took over the helm of Holcim-PRB just a year ago, following the departure of Kevin Escoffier, who was involved in a serious investigation. Lunven expressed his excitement about sailing the Imoca, which had previously set a crewed record of 640.48 miles during the 5th leg of The Ocean Race in 2023, achieving an average speed of 26.68 knots.
Current Standings in the Vendée Globe
As of the latest updates, Yoann Richomme remains in the lead of the Vendée Globe, with competitors Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) and Sam Goodchild (Vulnérable) trailing behind by 12.91 and 23.00 nautical miles, respectively. Lunven's record-breaking performance adds a thrilling twist to the ongoing race, highlighting the intense competition and strategic navigation that characterizes this prestigious sailing event.
