French skipper Charlie Dalin leads New York Vendée-Les Sables d’Olonne solo race to France
French skipper Charlie Dalin has emerged as the frontrunner in the New York Vendée-Les Sables d’Olonne solo race to France. Since the race began off the coast of New York, Dalin on MACIF Santé et Prevoyance has maintained a steady lead among the 28 participants.
As the fleet navigates through challenging and unpredictable weather conditions, Dalin has once again taken the lead after facing some setbacks. With 2300 miles still ahead in the solo Transatlantic course, sailors are encountering various weather obstacles along the way.
The competitors are currently spread out across a vast area of the North Atlantic, facing rapidly changing winds of varying strengths and directions. British sailor Sam Goodchild, currently in sixth place and trailing Dalin by 36 miles, described encountering winds ranging from 5 to 25 knots in just a span of 12 hours.
The weather conditions have been particularly intense, with squalls resembling the notorious Doldrums making navigation difficult. Despite the challenges, Goodchild remains determined to push forward, taking advantage of favorable wind conditions to maintain his speed without risking any damage to his boat.
With the race progressing into its third day, the Vendee New York Qualifier Leaderboard reflects the fierce competition and the sailors’ resilience in the face of unpredictable conditions. As the fleet continues its journey towards France, the race promises to be a test of skill, strategy, and endurance for all participants.
