Vendée Globe 2024: Charlie Dalin Maintains Lead as Fleet Awaits Weather Shift
In the latest update from the Vendée Globe, Charlie Dalin, sailing on Macif Santé Prévoyance, continues to hold the lead as of Saturday morning, November 23, 2024. At 07:00 local time, Dalin was reported to be 20,752 nautical miles from the finish line, slightly extending his advantage over his closest competitors. The calm conditions of the night allowed him to increase his lead over Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable), who is currently 31.55 miles behind.
The top five positions in the race remain unchanged, with Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) in third place, Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) in fourth, and Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) in fifth. The overall rankings have remained stable since Friday evening, indicating a period of relative calm in the competition. The anticipation is building as the leading skippers await the arrival of a depression that is expected to enhance their speed towards the Cape of Good Hope, which they hope to reach soon.
As the first twenty skippers crossed the equator early Saturday morning, the second half of the fleet is preparing to follow suit. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm), currently in ninth place, shared a light-hearted moment, celebrating the crossing with a drink of Norman lambig, a local brandy. The competitors are eager to sail along the Brazilian coast and harness the upcoming weather systems to gain momentum towards their next significant waypoint.
Current Standings in the Vendée Globe
The rankings as of Saturday morning are as follows: 1. Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) - 20,752 nautical miles from the finish 2. Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable) - 31.55 miles from the leader 3. Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) - 40.44 miles 4. Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) - 51.06 miles 5. Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) - 53.66 miles 6. Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq V) - 64.85 miles 7. Jérémie Beyou (Charal) - 66.47 miles 8. Nicolas Lunven (Holcim - PRB) - 70.08 miles 9. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) - 71.31 miles 10. Justine Mettraux (Teamwork-Team Snef) - 82.22 miles
Notably, Maxime Sorel (V and B-Monbana-Mayenne) has withdrawn from the race, marking a significant change in the fleet's dynamics. As the competitors prepare for the next phase of the race, all eyes will be on the weather patterns that could dramatically affect their progress towards the Cape of Good Hope.
