Santa Claus was slightly late this year. It’s finally 48 hours later that TSE-4myplanet will have crossed Cape Leeuwin, the second of three capes in this Vendée Globe.
It’s done, Alexia Barrier has just crossed Cape Leeuwin, marking her entry into the Pacific Ocean. So, it’s farewell to the Indian Ocean and the sleepless nights spent trying to tame the elements. With a boat finally in fairly good condition, the direction is towards Tasmania and then New Zealand.
As for the conditions, the weather remains much more favorable than since entering the northern hemisphere. A small depression is currently forming and should push the boat along the exclusion zone. However, it won’t be enough to catch up to the monohulls just ahead, who have also caught winds of around twenty knots. Strategy will therefore be key, anticipating the next depressions. In fact, a new one is expected to appear within the next 48 hours according to the latest forecasts.
Nevertheless, Alexia Barrier is sailing in 25th position between Clément Giraud (800 km ahead) and Ari Huusela (500 km behind). After 49 days of racing, everything is still possible, and the important thing is to avoid troubles. Especially since there’s still more than 24,700 km to go before reaching the port of Les Sables d’Olonne. If all goes well, tomorrow should mark a symbolic day, representing the halfway distance covered and remaining in this solo round-the-world adventure!
