It's been an exciting weekend for some of the participants in the Vendeé Globe and for others, not so much. The front of the fleet, led by Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) is headed for the doldrums and may be in for a slow couple days as they cross the equator.

Jérémie Beyou (Charal) is bringing up the rear, slated to leave Les Sables d'Olonne and get back on the course today. Beyou had a cascading series of breakages last week that forced him to return to the start for repairs. He remained in port for about three days during which he says he remained relatively cut off from the rest of the world, focusing on his own boat and team. "I just have to sail my own race now," he said in a press conference on Monday. He is currently 2,600nm behind his former rival, Thomson.

Despite the major setback, Beyou is lucky that the damage wasn't bad enough to end his campaign. Nicolas Troussel (CORUM L'Épargne) was not so fortunate, falling victim to the first dismasting of the race. He is safe and currently underpower on his way back to shore. He had been in 12th at the time of the dismasting.

To follow the race, visit vendeeglobe.org/en/tracking-map

November 2020