Thomas Ruyant Takes Lead in Vendée Globe After Navigating Pot-au-Noir

The French skipper capitalized on favorable conditions to surpass Sam Goodchild and head toward the equator with a narrow lead.

Thomas Ruyant emerged as the leader of the Vendée Globe after skillfully navigating the challenging Pot-au-Noir, a zone with unpredictable weather that slowed much of the fleet.
Ruyant gained a significant advantage overnight by opting for a western route, achieving speeds nearly three times faster than his closest competitors during a crucial four-hour period.
Sam Goodchild, who previously held the lead, now trails Ruyant by 13 nautical miles, while Charlie Dalin, Nicolas Lunven, and Yoann Richomme remain within 60 miles of the leader.
The Pot-au-Noir has caused significant shifts in the race standings, with former leader Jean Le Cam dropping to 18th place after earlier struggles near the Cape Verde islands.
As the leading group approaches the equator, the sailors will soon transition into the South Atlantic, continuing their journey toward the finish line in Les Sables-d'Olonne.