Vendée Globe 2024: Dalin Leads Amidst Southern Storms
As the Vendée Globe 2024 progresses, leaders Charlie Dalin and Sébastien Simon continue to navigate treacherous waters, maintaining a significant lead over their competitors. As of the latest update on December 4 at 7 p.m. GMT+1, Dalin is 54 nautical miles ahead of Simon, both sailors facing a violent southern storm while charting an easterly course. Their pursuers have opted for a north-easterly route to circumvent a severe depression in the Indian Ocean, which has caused them to fall behind.
Dalin, representing Macif, expressed the challenges of the current conditions, stating, "I'm not alone in this mess, at least there's Seb with me. It's always good to have someone next to you." He acknowledged the changing weather forecasts, noting that the latest updates have made the journey more daunting. The storm is expected to bring ten-meter waves, and while the leaders are positioned to mitigate the gale's effects, the conditions remain harsh.
Justine Mettraux, who has recently returned to the top 10, commented on the physical and mental toll of the race, saying, "I'd just like a bit more sleep, but at the moment the sea conditions mean it's not easy to rest. It's really hitting."
Current Rankings in the Vendée Globe
The standings as of December 4 at 7 p.m. are as follows: 1. Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) - 15,563.98 nautical miles from the finish 2. Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) - 54.45 miles from the leader 3. Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) - 291.49 miles behind 4. Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable) - 329.90 miles behind 5. Jérémie Beyou (Charal) - 490.08 miles behind 6. Nicolas Lunven (Holcim - PRB) - 491.30 miles behind 7. Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) - 656.76 miles behind 8. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) - 694.58 miles behind 9. Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq V) - 710.14 miles behind 10. Justine Mettraux (Teamwork-Team Snef) - 1,093.48 miles behind
The race has seen one abandonment, with Maxime Sorel (V and B-Monbana-Mayenne) exiting the competition. As the storm continues to challenge the sailors, the Vendée Globe remains a test of endurance and strategy.
