After 24 very physical hours, the Vendée fleet catches its breath. But there’s no time to daydream because a second depression, which is expected to be even more intense, is looming on the horizon.
The skipper of TSE-4myplanet continues her journey. After overcoming a first depression adorned with waves four meters high, it’s time to take a breather. “Yay, it’s finally sliding and not pounding anymore! It’s much nicer this way,” says a seemingly relieved Alexia Barrier, judging by the sound of her voice. It’s worth mentioning that the Maralpine is making every effort to hang onto the tail of the pack with her 24-year-old monohull against the latest generation flying boats piloted by seasoned sailors.
“I’ve worked quite a bit, executed maneuvers […] everything is fine on board, just a few little issues here and there to manage, but it’s great,” she rejoices before embarking more serenely on the fifth day of the race.
Except that “Théta” is approaching! But who is it? It’s a massive ball positioned right in the middle of the competitors’ map. A cannonball that appears in red on the solo sailors’ radar screens, which they will have to navigate by its curve, from the west, brushing against its generous forms from afar. Those who get too close could be severely punished like Jérémy Beyou was yesterday. Because this subtropical depression harbors winds of 50 to 60 knots (more than 100 km/h) and raises liquid hills six meters high.
The introductions with this 29th tropical depression observed this year are made, and the sailors should introduce themselves as soon as this weekend, perhaps even a bit earlier if they’re inclined! The first to face it should be Welshman Alex Thomson, who took the lead in the race at the last checkpoint, with a little more than 230 nautical miles ahead of Alexia. There are still 43,700 km to go to reach the finish line.
