High-Stakes until the finish for Holcim-PRB in the Vendée Globe
It’s the last week of sailing for Nicolas Lunven, and what a week it is!
The conditions awaiting Holcim-PRB and its closest rivals are far from the ones sailors dream of for the final stretch of the Vendée Globe. “This isn’t the scenario I would have chosen,” confirms Nicolas Lunven, currently sailing through a particularly violent low-pressure.
Conditions worsened last night. The good thing about nighttime is you can’t see outside. But when daylight broke this morning, I saw the state of the sea, and it’s not great... Right now, I’m facing winds of 30 to 40 knots, but the sea is insane. The waves are 6 to 7 meters high. It’s beautiful, but I’ll be happy when it’s over!
For Nicolas, currently 7th and battling against Paul Meilhat, the plan is clear: play it safe. There’s no question of taking unnecessary risks in this storm, especially with only 1,200 miles left to sail. The solo sailor has even chosen to steer slightly away from the strongest winds and seas, unlike Charal (Jérémie Beyou) and Vulnerable (Sam Goodchild), who are ahead of him. These two have opted to continue their head-to-head duel in strong downwind conditions. They’re progressing northwest of their pursuers in harsher weather, which led to a rough setback for Sam Goodchild this afternoon. The British sailor’s boat suddenly gybed, and the mainsail tore apart. “I took a gamble and lost,” the skipper said fatalistically. On Holcim-PRB, Nicolas has chosen a more cautious route, aware that the weather seems determined to challenge him and his competitors until the very end.
The rest of the journey will bring tough conditions all the way to the finish. It should ease a little tonight – more like 30 knots instead of 35. Tomorrow morning, we’ll reach the depression’s center. It’ll then head towards Lisbon. I don’t think I can get under it to stay on the downwind side and navigate around. That leaves me with two options: either face it from the north, beating upwind in 40 knots to Cape Finisterre with the accompanying sea state, or try to stay behind the center and follow it towards the Portuguese coast. After that, you sail up the Portuguese coast, beating into easing winds until entering the Bay of Biscay. And it’s still not over! There’s a small ridge to negotiate right after the depression, followed by another depression on Thursday.”
Holcim-PRB is currently to windward of Paul Meilhat, holding a favorable position for the coming hours. After 71 days at sea, only 25 miles separate the two IMOCA yachts! This breathtaking battle inspires hope that Holcim-PRB might gain valuable miles. While Nicolas finds beauty in the storm, the intense competition on the water is just as thrilling for observers on land. One thing is certain: Nicolas and his rivals are delivering a remarkable display of perseverance and commitment. That determination will also be celebrated at the end of this week, as Nicolas reunites with his family, team, friends, and sponsors to mark the conclusion of this extraordinary journey around the globe via the three capes.
