Vendée Globe: Attack! Thomson attacks the "Jackal"

Race leader Armel Le Cléac'h has led the Vendée fleet since 3 December. But now his lead over his British rival Alex Thomson is shrinking by the hour. The Breton now only has a cushion of 130 nautical miles and is struggling with light winds. While Le Cléac'h was only making progress at a boat speed of ten knots at the start of the 54th day at sea, Thomson's "Hugo Boss" reached double that speed positioned further east. Alex Thomson is currently sailing around 950 nautical miles east of Buenos Aires with the advantage of the hunter, which the two-time Vendée runner-up Armel Le Cléac'h has so often been himself. He is chasing the "Jackal" and can position himself and attack according to Le Cléac'h's movements.

Just under a week ago, Thomson was still 800 nautical miles behind the leading Le Cléac'h. Tomorrow it could be less than 100 nautical miles because Le Cléac'h is still looking for a way out of the countless high-pressure areas that are constantly forming. With a good 5200 nautical miles to the destination harbour of Les Sables d'Olonne, the long Atlantic final spurt on the theoretically 21,638 nautical mile course has begun. The advantage of the easterly positioning currently lies with Alex Thomson. Armel Le Cléac'h is struggling northwards at 39 degrees west, Thomson is trying to sail around Le Cléac'h and his high pressure problems at 35 degrees west. It is not impossible that Thomson will soon reach the same latitude as Le Cléac'h. However, he will then be positioned more easterly if his calculations work out. A position poker with an open outcome.

While the top skippers are thus creating new excitement in the Vendée Globe, the retired Paul Meilhat has arrived in Tahiti and experienced a very special, very conciliatory Polynesian welcome. The video shows the best scenes.

The French "SMA" skipper Paul Meilhat arrived in Tahiti after his assignment. A cheerful reception committee was waiting for him there

Jérémie Beyou on "Maitre Coq" remains on course in the battle for third place on the podium. Although the Frenchman was 1280 nautical miles behind the "Banque Populaire VIII" with Armel Le Cléac'h on Thursday afternoon, he was also 700 nautical miles ahead of fourth-placed Jean-Pierre Dick.

Here to see the current interim results.