Vendée Globe

All of the competitors are trying to make the most of the westerly winds shifting between SW'ly and NW'ly.  By continuing on the starboard tack, the competitors  are moving slowly southwards heading down towards Antarctica.  By continuing on the port tack, the competitors continue eastwards and move slightly northwards.  The winds are stronger further south , but the seas are heavier too, so they need to find a compromise between these two elements, while looking ahead to a change. A change in the weather system can mean they will need to change latitude and this needs to be anticipated, in order to avoid dropping back in the rankings.  Managing the trajectories is made all the more complicated by the presence of the Kerguelen Islands ahead of the leading group.
Sylvain Mondon
Météo-France