Vendée Globe 2024: Sam Goodchild Maintains Lead
In the latest updates from the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, British skipper Sam Goodchild aboard the boat Vulnerable has solidified his position at the front of the race. As of Monday, November 18, at 7:00 AM (GMT+1), Goodchild has extended his lead to nearly 43 miles ahead of his closest competitor, Sébastien Simon of Groupe Dubreuil. Goodchild's impressive performance comes after he reclaimed the lead on Sunday evening, a position he had briefly held earlier in the race.
Rising Competitors and Shifting Strategies
Thomas Ruyant, also sailing for Vulnerable, showcased the fastest average speed over the past 24 hours, exceeding 13 knots and moving up four places to secure third position, now 61 miles behind Goodchild. Meanwhile, veteran sailor Jean Le Cam, who initially led the fleet by taking a more easterly route, has fallen to fourth place, over 106 miles from the leader. The decision to sail east has proven disadvantageous due to lighter winds compared to those experienced by skippers who opted for a more westerly course along the African coast.
Current Rankings and Notable Abandonments
As of the latest ranking, the top positions are as follows: 1. Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) - 22,315.40 nautical miles to finish 2. Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil) - 42.79 miles behind 3. Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable) - 61.00 miles behind 4. Jean Le Cam (Tout commence en Finistère - Armor-Lux) - 106.52 miles behind 5. Clarisse Crémer (L'Occitane en Provence) - 118.32 miles behind 6. Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB) - 119.47 miles behind 7. Giancarlo Pedote (Prysmian) - 126.71 miles behind 8. Samantha Davies (Initiatives-Coeur) - 127.29 miles behind 9. Arnaud Boissières (La Mie Câline) - 143.21 miles behind 10. Antoine Cornic (Human Immobilier) - 145.73 miles behind
Notably, Maxime Sorel (V and B-Monbana-Mayenne) has officially abandoned the race.
The Vendée Globe continues to be a test of skill, strategy, and endurance as competitors navigate the challenges of the open sea.
