Vendee Globe Day 23 Onboard Report Skirting the Kergulens, dodging the High, Fixing the Damage more

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At the head of the Vondée Globe fleet, it looks very much like the two leading skipper Sébastien Simon, (Groupe Dubreuil), and Charlie Dalin, (MACIF Santé Prevoyance), are following suit, progressively repositioning to the north away from the path of a malicious Southern Ocean low pressure system which is holding a potentially dangerous 50-60 knots of wind and seas to ten metres high.

Yoann Richomme, (PAPREC ARKÉA), chose prudence ahead of hard-headed valour last night, and sharply turned north in modest upwind conditions to reposition himself 185 miles north of the route being taken by the leading duo. Richomme, will likely tack back on to port tack and assume the line taken by fourth placed Thomas Ruyant, (VULNERABLE). With a high pressure ridge to their west there is every chance Richomme and Ruyant, might lose more miles to the chasing pack behind them but their prudent approach gives them most chance to keeping their boats and themselves in optimum condition as they race some 500 miles west of the Kerguelen Islands.

Simon, who is just 12 miles behind leader Dalin, explained their situation,.“The road stops dead. We will just have to be very careful and cautious with the boat. Let the worst of the storm pass by in the hope that we get through it without a hitch and that everything goes well.”

He added, “I'm a little apprehensive. We're going to be clenching our buttocks for 48 hours. I've already seen 67 knots during The Ocean Race in 2023. I know it's not pleasant at all, but there's no escape. It's not going to be easy for anyone. We're going to suffer."