Vendée Globe: Charlie Dalin in the lead at the equator five days ahead of Armel Le Cléac’h’s time

Two days ago, Charlie Dalin came across his trail of the descent of the Atlantic again… a moment that he appreciated: “We passed there on November 24. I completed my loop around Antarctica off the coast of Salvador de Bahia.” After the three capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn), the leader of the Vendée Globe crossed another symbolic line this afternoon, that of the equator. In 2017, Armel Le Cléac’h, future winner and still holder of the reference time for this solo round the world trip (74 days 3 hours 35 minutes), crossed the equator again after 61 days 12 hours 21 minutes. It was January 7, 2017.

This Sunday, Charlie Dalin took 56 days 2 hours 36 minutes, five days better. Four years ago, with unusual weather, the skipper of Macif Santé Prévoyance made his return to the North Atlantic after 69 days 6h51’59” and in second position behind Louis Burton, forced to abandon this Vendée Globe!

In the lead this year!

This year, he is leading the 10th edition of the solo, non-stop world tour. In the fight from the middle of the South Seas with Yoann Richomme. In a strong South-East trade wind of around fifteen knots, he is heading north at an average of more than 25 knots, widening the gap with his pursuer. A gap which amounted to 128 miles by mid-afternoon.

The looming Doldrums does not seem very significant and could allow them to connect with the northeast trade winds quite easily. But this place always reserves its surprises and you have to remain vigilant. The latest estimates announce the first two still between January 14 and 16.