Vendée Globe Update: Thomas Ruyant Gains Ground on Charlie Dalin
In the latest developments of the Vendée Globe, Thomas Ruyant aboard the Vulnerable has made significant progress, closing the gap on race leader Charlie Dalin from Macif Santé Prévoyance. As of Sunday evening, November 24, Ruyant has reduced his deficit to 37 miles, having gained ten miles since the morning checkpoint. The leading group is now entering a depression that is expected to provide favorable winds, propelling them towards South Africa.
Charlie Dalin remains the frontrunner, having covered the most distance in the last 24 hours with an impressive 549.29 miles. However, the conditions are becoming challenging as Sam Goodchild of Vulnerable noted, "the sea is less flat and it's a bit harder to go fast." Goodchild has dropped from third to fourth place, overtaken by Yoann Richomme from Paprec Arkéa, who is currently 67 miles behind Dalin.
Current Rankings and Conditions
The rankings as of November 24 at 7 p.m. (GMT+1) are as follows: 1. Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) - 19,896.56 nautical miles from the finish 2. Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable) - 37.98 miles behind 3. Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) - 67.92 miles behind 4. Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) - 89.57 miles behind 5. Sébastien Simon (Dubreuil Group) - 90.66 miles behind 6. Jérémie Beyou (Charal) - 108.50 miles behind 7. Nicolas Lunven (Holcim - PRB) - 112.11 miles behind 8. Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq V) - 122.45 miles behind 9. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) - 150.52 miles behind 10. Samantha Davies (Initiatives-Coeur) - 190.15 miles behind
At the rear of the fleet, Szabolcs Weöres (New Europe) remains motivated despite being over 2,000 miles from the leader, expressing the difficulties of racing in isolation.
Looking Ahead: Potential for Record Times
As the leading boats navigate the depression off the coast of Brazil, there is optimism among the skippers. Charlie Dalin has indicated that this weather pattern could facilitate a swift descent towards South Africa, potentially allowing them to match or even surpass the record set by Armel Le Cléac'h in the 2016-2017 edition, who completed the race in 74 days. The next few days will be crucial as the competitors seek to maximize their speed and efficiency in these changing conditions.
