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"A Light-Wind Trap Could Put Everything Back in Play"
SAILORS’ VOICES. The entire fleet is now on the homeward leg. During the night, Manu Cousin (Coup de Pouce) crossed the Arctic Circle in turn, symbolically closing the chapter of the High North. But while all bows are now pointed towards Les Sables d’Olonne, the competitors’ trajectories have never…
ZERO......the number of certainties about the arrival time. Less than 500 nautical miles from Les Sables d’Olonne, the forecasts have rarely seemed so unpedictable. The problem is the light-wind zone forecast in the Bay of Biscay, capable of pushing ETA - estimated arrival times - back hour after hour.
The end of the course looks uncertain
As Manu Cousin (Coup de Pouce) crossed the Arctic Circle in turn during the night, at around 01:00, symbolically completing the fleet’s collective transition onto the return leg, the leading boats have never appeared more divided in their courses. Nor has the finish line ever seemed so difficult to…
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Some truly mad skippers!
Despite the harsh conditions, the intensity of the race and the relentless demands, the sailors in the Vendée Arctique haven’t lost their sense of humour. Francesca Clapcich (11th Hour Racing) and Arnaud Boissières (April Marine – seeking co-sponsor) have demonstrated this over the last few hours,…
“You Have to Fully Commit to the Opportunities That Present Themselves”
SAILORS’ VOICES The landscapes of the High North are gradually disappearing in the wake of the IMOCA fleet. After brushing the Arctic Circle and the high latitudes, the competitors are slowly returning to more familiar waters, though the pressure remains as intense as ever. Between the impressive…
For Charlie
Since the announcement of Charlie Dalin’s passing, an immense wave of emotion has swept through the sailing world. Winner of the 2024 Vendée Globe, an exceptional sailor and competitor, he had also earned the admiration, respect and affection of everyone who crossed his path. As the Vendée Arctique…
As in the 20 kilometers separating the two shores of the Strait of Moyle, the gateway to the North Channel. A stretch of water steeped in history, legend... and now a key strategic battleground for the skippers competing in the Vendée Arctique – Les Sables d’Olonne.
When the Fastest Route Isn’t Always the One You Choose
The High North is gradually fading into the fleet’s wake. Following Nicolas d'Estais (Café Joyeux) yesterday in the early afternoon and Arnaud Boissières (APRIL Marine) shortly before 20:00, seven of the eight competitors still racing have now crossed the Arctic Circle. Only Manu Cousin (Coup de…
Scientific Research Currently Being Conducted in the Arctic
As the Arctic Circle draws closer, attention is not focused solely on the sailors. Across the High North, on land, in the atmosphere and at the heart of its ecosystems, scientists are carrying out vital missions to better understand the profound changes reshaping the Arctic. Climate, biodiversity…
There’s magic in the air at the Arctic Circle
They’ve done it! For the first time, IMOCA skippers have reached the Arctic Circle during a race. Sam Goodchild, Elodie Bonafous, Violette Dorange and Ambrogio Beccaria crossed it yesterday, Francesca Clapcich during the night, whilst Nico d’Estais and Arnaud Boissières are set to cross it this…
“It’s both beautiful and strange to be this far north. Your body feels a bit disoriented because there’s no night. Everything’s white and grey, and above all it’s very cold—I was shivering a lot. And the landscape is absolutely lunar!”
On the up heading south
Life is feeling so much better for the leaders on the Vendée Arctique Les Sables d’Olonne race this morning, not least because they are heading south, heading home. Leader Sam Goodchild (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) has built a useful buffer, a cushion of around 100 nautical miles over second placed…
Like the 8 degrees West longitude where the first competitors crossed the Arctic Circle.
A Box Tick Like No Other
Yesterday morning, Sam Goodchild led the way. A few hours later, Elodie Bonafous crossed the Arctic Circle in turn, soon followed by Violette Dorange and Ambrogio Beccaria later in the evening, with Francesca Clapcich crossing during the night. This Friday morning, five competitors have now sailed…
Charlie, thank you
Charlie Dalin, an incredible skipper with an impressive track record, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 42 after a battle with gastrointestinal cancer. He left an indelible mark on the history of ocean racing, making the Vendée Globe, the Vendée Arctique and the New York Vendée defining…
“We’re Very Lucky to Be Here”
SAILORS’ VOICES. The Arctic Circle is now only a matter of hours away for most of the fleet. While Sam Goodchild has already opened the route beyond 66° North, his rivals are still refining their chosen crossing points while discovering a world that is gradually transforming around them. Light that…
Sam Goodchild Becomes the First to Cross the Arctic Circle
At 09:45 this Thursday morning, Sam Goodchild wrote his name into a previously blank chapter of offshore racing history. By crossing the Arctic Circle to the west of Iceland, the Franco-British skipper became the first sailor ever to reach this latitude solo and in race conditions aboard an IMOCA…
THE HIGH NORTH STRAIGHT AHEAD
The sky merges with the sea in an endless palette of greys, drizzle and fog. An atmosphere that at times evokes the Southern Ocean. Yet this time, the IMOCA fleet is heading north, towards the High North. This Thursday morning, between approximately 09:30 and 10:00 UTC, Sam Goodchild (MACIF Santé…
