Vendée Globe Update: Jean Le Cam Leads the Race
In the latest rankings of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, Jean Le Cam (Tout commence en Finistère - Armor-Lux) has solidified his lead, extending it to nearly 48 miles ahead of his closest competitor, Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable). As of Tuesday, November 19, at 07:00 (GMT+1), Le Cam's strategic navigation around the Cape Verde archipelago has proven advantageous, allowing him to maintain a significant gap over the fleet.
Le Cam's decision to approach the archipelago from the east, while most of the other skippers opted for the western route, has been hailed as a tactical masterstroke. Benjamin Dutreux, currently in 14th place, praised Le Cam's ability to make
said Dutreux.
Current Rankings and Competitors
As the race progresses, the competition remains fierce, with Sébastien Simon (Dubreuil Group) trailing in third place, 80.46 miles behind Le Cam. The rankings as of Tuesday morning are as follows:
- Jean Le Cam (Tout commence en Finistère - Armor-Lux) - 22,108.02 nautical miles from the finish
- Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) - 47.84 miles behind
- Sébastien Simon (Dubreuil Group) - 80.46 miles behind
- Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable) - 91.75 miles behind
- Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) - 102.22 miles behind
- Samantha Davies (Initiatives-Coeur) - 104.40 miles behind
- Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB) - 107.28 miles behind
- Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq V) - 109.05 miles behind
- Clarisse Cremer (L'Occitane en Provence) - 111.34 miles behind
- Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) - 113.64 miles behind
The race has seen some challenges, including the abandonment of Maxime Sorel (V and B-Monbana-Mayenne) and structural issues faced by Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée), who is working diligently to keep his boat in the race despite significant damage.
Looking Ahead: Navigating the Doldrums
As the skippers approach the Doldrums, a notorious calm zone off the African coast, their strategies will be crucial in maintaining speed and positioning. The Doldrums present a unique challenge, as wind patterns can be unpredictable, and the ability to navigate this area effectively could determine the outcome of the race. Le Cam's current lead places him in a favorable position, but the competition remains close, with 15 skippers within a 120-mile radius, making every decision critical as they head into this strategic phase of the Vendée Globe.
