On the first day of 2021, the numbers tell the story for Vendee leaders Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq IV) and Charlie Dalin (Apivia).
At just over 600 miles to Cap Horn this morning Bestaven and Dalin have just completed 24 hour runs of 452 and 417 nautical miles respectively.
Only third placed Thomas Ruyant (LinkedOut) has come close with 375 miles.
All of the chasing group have made less than 300 after their tussle with lighter winds yesterday.
The leaders are in on the front of a Southern Ocean depression which approaches the Chilean coast, ready to hit the mountains of Tierra del Fuego.
They will see more than 40 knots but at 120deg to the wind, and need to rein in their IMOCAs to account for the mountainous boat breaking seas which are likely on the approach to Cape Horn on Saturday evening.
Vendée Globe Leaders – Day 55 – Fri 1 Jan – Updated at 21:00 hrs UK
1st FRA Yannick Bestaven – Maître CoQ IV – 7,554 nm to finish – sailing at 20+ knots
2nd FRA Charlie Dalin – APIVIA – 156 nm
3rd FRA Thomas Ruyant – LinkedOut – 473 nm
4th FRA Damien Seguin – GROUPE APICIL – 528 nm
5th FRA Benjamin DUTREUX – OMIA – WATER FAMILY – 636 nm
6th FRA Boris Herrmann – SEAEXPLORER – 647 nm
7th FRA Isabelle JOSCHKE – MACSF – 665 nm
8th FRA Jean Le Cam – Yes we Cam! – 665 nm
9th FRA Maxime SOREL – V and B-MAYENNE – 695 nm
10th FRA Louis Burton – BUREAU VALLEE 2 –721 nm
11th FRA Giancarlo Pedote – PRYSMIAN GROUP – 721 nm
GBR:
15th GBR Pip Hare – Medallia – 2413 nm
23rd GBR Miranda Merron – Campagne de France – 4030 nm
Retired:
Nicolas Troussel, Alex Thomson, Kevin Escoffier, Alex Thomson, Sebastien Simon, Sam Davies, Fabrice Amedo
