Vendée Globe: Underdog Simon Shocks Favorites, Takes Race Lead
In a stunning turn of events in the grueling Vendée Globe solo round-the-world yacht race, Sébastien Simon has surged to the top of the leaderboard. This remarkable achievement comes just days after a significant equipment failure threatened to derail his campaign. Simon, whose initial goal was simply to finish his second Vendée Globe, now finds himself ahead of seasoned veterans Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme, two of the pre-race favorites. This unexpected lead materialized Tuesday evening and was maintained Wednesday morning, placing him in a commanding position mid-race across the vast Pacific Ocean.
The 34-year-old sailor faced a major challenge ten days ago when one of his boat’s foils—critical hydrofoils that lift the hull for increased speed—broke. Despite this setback, he persevered, maintaining a competitive pace and ultimately reclaiming the lead. The unexpected triumph is a testament to his skill and determination.
“It’s Pretty Crazy!” – Simon’s Reaction
“Wow! It’s good to wake up and find out we’re in the lead! It’s huge! It’s pretty crazy!” Simon exclaimed,expressing his disbelief at his current position. He attributed his advancement to favorable winds and a more efficient course compared to his competitors. “I had some wind, I think a little from behind, which allowed me to catch up with the first two. And then, I think I have a much tighter trajectory than my competitors and I suspect them of ‘I had a little problem with the sail having made such angular trajectories. We’ll see.'” His cautious optimism hints at the challenges that still lie ahead.
A Moral Boost and a Look Ahead
While the lead is a significant morale booster, Simon remains aware of the difficulties ahead. “It’s good for morale. It’s cool to be on starboard tack, because there, I can use my remaining foil and exploit 100% of the boat’s potential (sponsored by the Vendée Dubreuil group, editor’s note), I’m having a lot of fun. I’m dreading the moment when I’m going to find myself on the port tack and I’m going to see the pursuers catch up with me. It could be very, very hard mentally,” he admitted. Close behind are Nicolas Lunven, Thomas Ruyant, Jérémie Beyou, and Yannick Bestaven, all within 500 nautical miles.
A Confirmed Place in the Race
Simon’s current position has dramatically shifted his outlook on the race. “It’s incredible what’s happening. I came here just to finish in the vendée Globe. And my ambitions are completely different today. With the breakage of my foil, it’s going to be much more intricate, but I remain hopeful and I want to give it my all and today, that confirms the fact that I have my place in this Vendée Globe,” he concluded, his voice filled with emotion. His unexpected lead is a testament to his resilience and skill, captivating the world of competitive sailing.
