As forecasted, the weather conditions have worsened for the skippers at the back of the fleet. A double-edged situation for the sailors.
It’s a bit of hit or miss in the Vendée Globe this year. A very lively and challenging race for the monohulls, which are taking turns suffering more or less significant damage. Currently in a strong depression south of Madagascar, TSE-4myplanet has been taking it easy since yesterday to avoid facing the onslaught of the Indian Ocean. The waves can reach up to four meters high in some places. Further south than her fellow competitors, Alexia Barrier is closer to the center of this depression, intensifying the turbulence onboard.
“Today, it’s not a time for cuddly weather. I’ve put on my Sunday music to try to relax,” shares the Maralpine, who mentioned yesterday being slightly stressed by this weather. “This gale will pass quickly,” she hoped last night before possibly passing in front of the Kerguelen Islands by tomorrow.
But it’s difficult to take advantage of these strong favorable winds when the sea is turbulent. The primary task is to take care of your boat, which has not yet covered half the journey back to Sable d’Olonne. Nevertheless, the black and pink IMOCA is losing time in this depression compared to her fellow adventurers like Miranda Merron, who is sailing much faster with less wind but under more favorable conditions.
After 38 days of racing, there are still 29,800 km left for Alexia in this ninth Vendée Globe, which is clearly not an easy task for the entire fleet!
