Armel Le Cléac’h still leads the Vendée Globe, the skipper of Banque Populaire saw his lead dramatically reduce over these last few hours. Alex Thomson has returned and the day promises to be a boiling point …
The leader of the Vendée Globe is still occupied by Armel Le Cléac’h in this 51st day of racing. The skipper of Banque Populaire saw his lead reduced as his speed slowed. Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) advanced this morning within 300 miles and appears mostly to be sailing at a higher average speed (18 knots against 13 knots) in addition to having ideal condition to get back in the race. Armel Le Cléac’h will have to jibe again a little today as Thomson goes straight.
Behind the leading duo, Beyou will go in the afternoon around the legendary Cape Horn. An important step that tips the skippers in Atlantic ascent to Les Sables, which is always complicated. In fourth place, Jean-Pierre Dick (St Michel-Vibac) is well underway this morning with averages of 16 knots even if it looks and sees Elies Le Cam return quickly.
The hole is made on the implementation of the peloton led by Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée) that points to 3.427 miles from the Cléac’h but has 800 miles ahead of the eighth, Nador Fa (Spirit of Hungary). A big depression shows its face to the south of New Zealand and could shake several skippers today.
