It's still too early to sit back and relax - for the skippers as well as their fans. Because a lot can still happen on the 300 nautical miles that still lie ahead of Charlie Dalin or the 600 that separate Boris from Les Sables d'Olonne. But at least the weather and positioning won't hold any more surprises.
It only remains exciting for the time being in the following ranks. Does Thomas Ruyant still have a chance against Jérémie Beyou? It didn't look that way recently. Ruyant himself had already surmised yesterday that it would be difficult because his Finot Conq/Koch design was at a disadvantage on the wind against the "Charal" designed by Sam Manuard.
The battle for the last podium place at the New York Vendée is still open
In fact, Ruyant was unable or unwilling to match Jérémie Beyou's height, which cost him more than 30 nautical miles - and possibly the last place on the podium. However, the last word has not yet been spoken. After passing Cape Finisterre in the Bay of Biscay, the southern group can expect lighter winds - that suits Ruyant's "Vulnerable" better.
Meanwhile, the main field, currently led by Benjamin Dutreux on "Guyot Environnement", is stuck in the Azores high that has extended north of the archipelago. The best of the stragglers have only completed two thirds of the course - after ten days at sea! Many of the sailors will already be rationing their provisions, as hardly anyone has food on board for more than 12 or 13 days.
Vendée Globe winner Bestaven still looking for form
Meanwhile, Yannick Bestaven, who was last in the classification yesterday morning, has made a remarkable comeback. Following damage to his mainsail and the breakage of his structural J2 forestay, he was busy with repairs on several occasions. He has only been able to focus on sailing again since Friday afternoon.
The "Maitre Coq" skipper, winner of the last Vendée Globe and actually a stronger contender on a new boat, is still looking for his form. A result like the current one will be hard on his confidence and self-esteem. In addition, he lacks confidence in the boat due to a lack of demonstrable successes and the many technical mishaps. While he only has the summer to recharge his batteries, Boris Herrmann can take a much more relaxed approach to the time between the New York Vendée and the Vendée Globe.
Boris is enjoying this regatta, even though it has demanded everything from him - alone in the north, a good two days without any breeze to speak of. Now, at the finish, he is fully challenged in other ways: by changing sails, gybing and the gradually increasing shipping traffic on the west coast of France. But you can hardly tell, he seems so energised by the looming success. You could also feel this yesterday in the last video from on board so far:
Go directly to the live tracker of the New York Vendée here!
