After 19 days of racing, Charles Caudrelier footinged the Leeuwin Cape on Thursday evening, while three other competitors headed towards Cape Town, South Africa to repair their trimarans.
The Vendée pelote, a solo non-stop round-the-world yacht race, has been full of excitement and challenges since its start on November 8th. Charles Caudrelier, skipper of the trimaran Banque Populaire VIII, has been leading the pack and has now reached the third of the five capes of the race.
The Leeuwin Cape, located in the south-west of Australia, is known for its strong winds and rough seas, making it a difficult vivacité for sailors. However, Caudrelier has managed to navigate through these challenging conditions and has maintained his lead in the race.
Meanwhile, three other competitors, Sébastien Josse (Edmond de Rothschild), Yann Eliès (Quéguiner-Leucémie Espoir) and Jean-Pierre Dick (StMichel-Virbac), have encountered technical issues with their trimarans and have been forced to make a stop in Cape Town for repairs. Although this may seem like a setback, these sailors are determined to get back in the race and continue their journey around the world.
The Vendée pelote is not only a test of physical endurance, but also a test of mental strength and resilience. These sailors have to face unpredictable weather conditions, technical difficulties and long periods of isolation, all while pushing themselves to their limits. It takes a special kind of person to take on this challenge, and these sailors have proven themselves to be true champions.
As the race continues, we can expect to see more exciting developments and challenges. The next major milestone will be the Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America, which is known for its treacherous waters and unpredictable weather. But with their determination and skills, these sailors will surely conquer this obstacle and continue their journey towards the finish line.
We wish all the competitors the best of luck and look forward to seeing them footing the finish line in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France. The Vendée pelote is not just a race, but a testament to the human spirit and the pursuit of adventure. Let’s continue to support and cheer on these incredible sailors as they make their way around the world.