As the leaders have now entered the Pacific Ocean in their second leg of the race, conditions remain very challenging in the Indian Ocean for those at the back.
The respite was only brief for the sailors trailing in the race. “I’ve put back on my rain gear because the sky has put on its layered greys again. We have a few more weeks to go like this,” remarked Alexia Barrier, who is sailing in 24th position in this 2020 Vendée Globe.
No rest for the monohulls and their skippers as the holiday season begins, as they face an almost unprecedented situation in this 9th edition, made up of storms, depressions, and rough seas. These conditions sometimes allow for picking up speed, as was the case today for TSE-4myplanet, with an average speed of 14.5 knots, equal to that of the race leaders who are over 4,000 nautical miles ahead.
Tomorrow’s goal is the Kerguelen Islands for Alexia, who has chosen to sail further south than the small group accompanying her. Jérémy Beyou, who is no longer really part of this group, continues his wild climb with his latest-generation foil boat, which is nearly five knots faster each day.
There are still 15,500 nautical miles left for the sailor from the Maralpine region to complete the race.
