Vendée Globe

The leader was slowed down considerably going through the Doldrums, which were positioned a long way south. He now seems to be moving again in a moderate NE’ly trade wind. Those behind will be searching for the best way through this zone, where anything can happen – good or bad – and finding the right route is never easy.
Safran is doing well by rounding the thundery low off the east of Brazil via the west, contrary to Roxy, which further east sailing upwind is losing ground and has given up fourth place to Safran.
The trio of Pindar, Akena and Aviva are sailing upwind in a NW’ly airstream, but are gradually coming up against a high-pressure bubble so ahead they will find a swell and winds will be easing off, which is not the ideal situation to make headway or for the rigging.

Steve White is now in the Atlantic, while Rich Wilson is battling with a quite deep low generating 30-40 knot winds with strong gusts and heavy seas, reminding him that this is still the south.

At the rear end of the fleet they are struggling with a high and it is not easy to reach the Ice Gate, in the N to NE’ly wind, which is veering easterly.

Richard SILVANI - Météo France