Arkea Ultim Challenge: Six boats, five worlds - week three begins with mixed feelings

With the Cape of Good Hope barely three days behind him, Charles Caudrelier is already halfway through the second leg of his solo circumnavigation. Heading for Cape Leeuwin, the "Maxi Edmond de Rothschild" skipper is racing through the southern Indian Ocean in seven-mile boots in the Arkea Ultim Challenge. Although his pursuer Thomas Coville has recently been able to make up some ground, he is still around 1,400 nautical miles behind the previously dominant leader.

Thomas Coville is also struggling with technical problems on "Sodebo Ultim 3". It was only late on Sunday evening that the 55-year-old revealed that he has been struggling with a defective foil control system since 17 January. According to Coville, it is not a structural failure, but he is struggling with the handicap: "I am handicapped on one side. But I have a solution to restore the functions of the foil. I'm confident about the future."

There is no structural damage or major problems with the boat, but at the moment I am handicapped on one side" (Thomas Coville)

After plunging into the Indian Ocean, Coville admitted on the evening of 21 January that his lowering system for the starboard foil was broken. The Sodebo soloist from Saint-Brieuc said: "The damage did not damage the structure of the trimaran, but prevented the foil from being lowered." In consultation with the technical team, it was possible to stabilise the system.

Thomas Coville continued: "There is no structural damage or major problems on the boat, but at the moment I am handicapped on one side. We have found a solution with my technical team to restore functionality: I still have a bit of work to do, but I'm confident. I was therefore unable to keep up with the pace of the leader. But I'm happy to be where I am now."

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Coville, who is known for his philosophical approach, said in his interim review at the start of the third week of the Arkea Ultim Challenge: "Coming here with a flying boat like the 'Sodebo Ultim 3' was a dream. And here we are - with the other sailors - doing something unique. For the first time. The fact that I'm now doing this with my team is also a collective adventure. It's a dedicated sport, and it's a team sport, and they're all behind me."

While Charles Caudrelier continues to set the pace and has passed the Kerguelen Islands with a gybe to the north-east, Thomas Coville is in the transition zone between two weather systems. He is sailing in the east of an area of high pressure directly behind a front. As a result, the "Sodebo Ultim 3" skipper has a complicated transition phase to deal with, while Charles Caudrelier is still travelling very fast with an average speed of more than 30 knots.

Arkea Ultim Challenge: Gitana's giant tri seems to be swallowing up the Indian Ocean

Caudrelier's "Maxi Edmond de Rothschild" appears to be devouring the Indian Ocean. The giant foiler is benefiting from very favourable conditions which, according to the race management, could take Charles Caudrelier to Cape Leeuwin by Wednesday afternoon and into Tasmania as early as Thursday or Friday.

At the same time, Armel Le Cléac'h ("Banque Populaire XI") and Anthony Marchand ("Actual Ultim 3") are experiencing their first low-pressure area in the Southern Ocean, around 2,700 nautical miles behind Charles Caudrelier in the battle for third place. They hope to finally free themselves from the clutches of the high-pressure area that has been slowing their progress recently.

Second pit stop at the Arkea Ultim Challenge underway

Bringing up the rear, Éric Péron has a bit of luck sailing alone behind "Maxi Edmond de Rothschild" on "Adagio" some 4,600 nautical miles behind. The 42-year-old can take a much more direct course around South Africa's southern tip than all the competitors ahead of him.

There was also good news from Team SVR Lazartigue: after a powerful night with winds of almost 20 knots, the "SVR Lazartigue", which was damaged in a "UFO" collision last week, has now reached Cape Town. Skipper Tom Laperche had already furled his headsails and headed for Cape Town under mainsail only. Shortly before entering the harbour, he had to wait a little longer until the wind dropped and finally allowed him to enter the harbour.

Arkea Ultim Challenge: six skippers, five worlds

This means that the "six boats, five worlds" scenario continues at the start of the third week at sea: Dominator Charles Caudrelier forms his own class at the top. Likewise Thomas Coville in second place in the southern Indian Ocean. While Tom Laperche and his team in Cape Town inspect the demolished "SVR Lazartigue" and consider the next steps, Armel Le Cléac'h and the "Banque Populaire XI", which is superior on paper, and Anthony Marchand on "Actual Ultim 3" are engaged in an exciting Southern Ocean duel. And at the back of the field, Éric Péron is trying to master his challenges in this historic test as best he can.

We made it! "SVR Lazartigue" skipper Tom Laperche has reached Cape Town. The video clip shows his team's preparations:

Powerful forces at work - the video clip by "Actual Ultim 3" skipper Anthony Marchand gives an insight into the life of the trimaran tamers at sea: