Vendée Globe Update: Dalin Leads as Ruyant Closes Gap
As of Monday, November 25, 2024, Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) has taken a slight lead in the Vendée Globe, maintaining a distance of approximately 49.66 miles ahead of Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable). The latest rankings show Dalin at 19,607.98 nautical miles from the finish line, while Ruyant has made significant progress, narrowing the gap after a strong performance over the weekend.
Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) has also been a standout competitor, breaking the 24-hour distance record with an impressive 579.86 miles (1073.9 km) covered, surpassing his previous record of 551.4 miles. This achievement highlights the competitive nature of the race, as six boats managed to beat the previous record set earlier in the week. Richomme is currently in third place, trailing Dalin by 58.69 miles.
The race dynamics have shifted considerably, with a notable gap forming between the top three sailors and their immediate pursuers. Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) has slipped from fourth to seventh position, now just 12 miles behind Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil), who is in fourth place. The current standings are as follows:
- Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance) - 19,607.98 nautical miles from the finish
- Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable) - 49.66 miles behind
- Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) - 58.69 miles behind
- Sébastien Simon (Dubreuil Group) - 102.68 miles behind
- Nicolas Lunven (Holcim - PRB) - 114.37 miles behind
- Jérémie Beyou (Charal) - 116.47 miles behind
- Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) - 116.87 miles behind
- Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq V) - 148.58 miles behind
- Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) - 199.27 miles behind
- Samantha Davies (Initiatives-Coeur) - 266.89 miles behind.
Race Conditions and Future Outlook
The leading group is expected to benefit from a depression forming off the coast of Brazil, which could enhance their speed as they head towards the Cape of Good Hope. Dalin, who previously finished second in the last edition of the Vendée Globe, expressed optimism about the favorable winds that the depression will bring, potentially allowing them to match the record pace set by Armel Le Cléac'h in 2016-2017.
As the race progresses, the competition remains fierce, with sailors like Yannick Bestaven and Jérémie Beyou also vying for top positions. Meanwhile, Szabolcs Weöres (New Europe) continues to face challenges at the back of the fleet, now over 2,000 miles behind the leader, but remains determined to push through despite the isolation.
The Vendée Globe continues to be a test of endurance and skill, with the next few days promising to be crucial as the sailors navigate the changing weather conditions and strive for victory.
