Vendée Globe

The ITCZ is living up to its reputation. After being slowed down on Wednesday lunchtime, before finding a little more speed during the night, the leaders are entering a new zone of light winds this morning. This complex pattern is due to the fact that the ITCZ initially situated at 7 to 8°N moved down to 5 to 6° north during the night. It is going to delay their exit from the Doldrums.
This stuttering performance from the leaders will allow those following on behind to get closer, as the NE'ly trades strengthen.  The chasers will thus have fewer difficulties than the ten frontrunners. Nevertheless, they will also have to cross through the Doldrums and will also be slowed as the leaders start to sail upwind in the S to SE'ly trade winds on Friday.