For days in the morning, Alex Thomson fans had to take notice of the latest status of the tracker in horror, now the break is finally complete: Since the weekend, the leading "Banque Populaire VIII" has been sailing at full throttle in a low pressure system towards Cape Horn, while Alex Thomson with his "Hugo Boss" in a high "stuck". The Frenchman's average speeds are consistently four, five or even more knots above those of the pursuer. At 9 o'clock this morning, the gap was 515 nautical miles. Trend: rapidly increasing.
The animation clearly shows in which air flow which skipper sails
So Le Cléac'h should sail out a comfortable two-day lead up to the Cape. Nevertheless, there is a small ray of hope for the pursuer, at least for Tuesday: The high is slowly moving north and brings him more wind again, which should level out the speed disadvantage, although Thomson has to sail on starboard bow without foil. In addition, the leading Le Cléac'h, which has practically ideal conditions until shortly before Cape Horn, could face headwinds on the Cape at the end of the week - but that still leaves many question marks.
Status of the race this morning
Alex Thomson is relieved that his pursuers Paul Meilhat ("SMA") and Jérémie Beyou ("Maitre Coq") are no longer making such great strides. They are about 800 miles behind him and are headed for the core of a low that should either bring them little wind or a detour. With a little luck, it might work to keep the pursuers at a distance as far as the Cape.
Status of the race this morning
In the back of the field, Thomas Ruyant limps with his "Le Souffle du Nord", which has been badly damaged after a collision, at 6 knots speed towards New Zealand and with a bit of luck should get there tomorrow evening - just in time before the next 50 knot storm approaches from the west. His compatriot Stéphane Le Diraison is under emergency rigging after the mast break on the way to Australia or Tasmania, but will still need a few more days.
