Exciting, more exciting, Vendée Globe! The seventh edition of the toughest regatta around the world is sailing towards its showdown on a superlative course. According to current forecasts, the first heroes of the single-handed non-stop round-the-world race are expected to arrive at the start and finish harbour of Les Sables d'Olonne at the weekend. The small French seaside resort on the Atlantic with its population of just 14,000 will once again be bursting at the seams. Up to half a million fans are expected to line the beaches, shores, docks and streets in the coming days. The stage is set for the winners, first and foremost "Golden Boy" François Gabart. If the Benjamin of the fleet is able to continue his triumphant march to the finish, he will be France's new sailing superstar.
Or can his somewhat more experienced 35-year-old pursuer Armel Le Cléac'h prevent Gabart's ascension to the throne and turn the tide? Le Cléac'h still had just under 90 nautical miles to make up on Thursday morning. Overnight, he had made up the nautical miles lost the day before with the fastest average speed in the fleet. However, the weather forecast continued to favour Gabart, who was the first to reach even fresher winds and fly with them towards Les Sables d'Olonne. Gabart reported from on board: "The winds are in my favour. I'm on the right side of the low-pressure area. I can hardly wait to finally get closer to you all in France again."
What can stop Gabart in his duel with Le Cléac'h? The 26-year-old himself outlined the final challenge ahead: "The closer we get to the finish, the more shipping traffic there will be. Unfortunately, there are not only large container ships, but also many small fishing boats. I can only hope that they all have their AIS switched on. I also know that some whales are travelling in the area. Even with the utmost caution, there is little you can do about that. I will definitely be careful and not take any risks. I've hardly taken any risks so far. Now even less! I will keep the concept simple. I'm not going to sail too fast, maybe to gain half a mile. It would be different if Armel was ahead of me. But he's not. Of course, it would be wonderful if we could reach the finish on Saturday morning. But given the weather forecast, that's not very likely. But I confess: I would love it!"
However, the fans are not only looking at the high-class duel at the top of the field of twelve skippers who have completed the offshore marathon so far. In third place, Peyron's likeable friend Jean-Pierre Dick has been fighting for all or nothing for two days now. After losing his keel bomb, Dick is apparently daring the final sprint in a dangerous configuration and refuses to give up. With the help of his water ballast system, he wants to reach the finish and possibly even defend his third place. As long as he sails high upwind in moderate conditions, the emergency concept works. In a similar situation, his compatriot Marc Guillemot achieved a similar feat on "Safran" at the last edition of the Vendée. However, things get dicey for Jean-Pierre Dick when he heads downwind towards the finish. On this course, a boat without a keel bomb rolls much faster. Then there is a risk of capsizing.
The experienced Alain Gautier explained as commentator: "Jean-Pierre is probably sailing with six or seven tonnes of water ballast. That's good and safe as long as he's cruising. But downwind the situation can change. I know that Jean-Pierre will make the right decision and do everything for his safety."
Fourth-placed Alex Thomson has shown himself to be a fair sportsman in recent days, despite the tantalising prospect of a possible podium finish: "We're in for some tough weather. I wouldn't risk it if I were Jean-Pierre - well, maybe I would have done it before I had a family. But I would prefer it if Jean-Pierre could finish the race. Even if I finish fourth. I'd rather that than Jean-Pierre not being able to finish the race."
In the midfield, the two "Silver Agers" Mike Golding and Jean Le Cam are engaged in a thrilling duel. Only 20 nautical miles separated Jean Le Cam's "SynerCiel" from Golding's "Gamesa" on Thursday morning. The lead between 53-year-old Le Cam and 52-year-old Briton Golding had changed hands several times recently. In the private duel between the two seniors, neither of them will give way on the way to Les Sables d'Olonne.
At the back of the fleet, Alessandro di Benedetto is mainly struggling with himself and his "Team Plastique". The Franco-Italian had broken a rib during a repair and is sailing towards the finish almost 4,200 nautical miles behind leader François Gabart, but takes his situation with humour: "I'm on painkillers and very tired. But at times I'm as fast as François. (Laughs). Oh, I shouldn't tell such funny stories any more. It's not good for my ribs."
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
