Charlie Dalin Extends Lead in Vendée Globe as Race Enters Final Stretch

Dalin maintains a significant advantage over Yoann Richomme while the fleet approaches the finish line at Les Sables-d’Olonne.

Charlie Dalin, leading the 10th Vendée Globe, has increased his lead over second-place Yoann Richomme to 167 nautical miles as of Wednesday morning.
The top three skippers—Dalin, Richomme, and Sébastien Simon—are the only competitors to have crossed the equator, with Simon trailing Dalin by over 700 miles.
Dalin and Richomme are expected to arrive at Les Sables-d’Olonne between January 14 and 15, with Dalin potentially setting a new race record if weather conditions remain favorable.
The rest of the fleet continues to battle challenging conditions, including a fast-moving storm near Cape Horn, with winds exceeding 40 knots and temperatures dropping significantly.
Yoann Richomme, in his first Vendée Globe, has impressed with meticulous preparation and strong tactical decisions, keeping him in contention for a potential upset in the final stages.