Many competitors feared it; Storm Theta is here! It is moving slowly towards the east and is expected to be crossed by the fleet during the day.
Alexia Barrier is about to experience her second major moment in this 2020 Vendée Globe with the passage west of the tropical storm “Theta,” which is drawing the attention of all the skippers. Yesterday was the calm before the major maneuvers: “Training for the doldrums in the calm!! The wind is really in high demand,” the Maralpine explained. This was an opportunity to ensure everything was ready for today and the upcoming 24 hours, which are expected to be very hectic.
For now, only the IMOCA at the forefront (Alex Thomson and Jean Le Cam) have entered the depression, allowing them to widen the gap with the rest of the fleet. Currently, this depression episode is offering competitors winds slightly less strong than expected, between 20 and 25 knots (less than 50 km/h). However, the waves could reach five meters in height, which represents a significant danger.
At the last check-in, Alexia Barrier on TSE-4myplanete is sailing in 29th position only a few nautical miles from the tail of the pack.
