IMOCA Open 60 - Vendée Globe 2024 - Les Sables d'Olonne FRA - Day 57

After 56 days and 2 hours, Charlie Dalin FRA was the first to cross the equator yesterday, followed 8 hours later by Yoann Richomme FRA. There are 3000 miles to go to the finish, and the two are on course for a record (84 days 10 hours). Sébastien Simon FRA will cross the equator today in 3rd place. He is progressing well on his ‘healthy bow’ (with foil) and has reduced his deficit to 781 miles. The chasing group (ranks 4-10) is still only 140 miles apart. This is likely to change today as they have split up to avoid a doldrums zone: The ‘north group’ seems to be benefiting at the moment, with Boris Herrmann GER in the middle in 7th place. 80 miles behind him, Justine Mettraux SUI has moved up to 8th place. After Cape Horn Alan Roura SUI is unchallenged in 17th place. Tonight is rush hour at Cape Horn: Ranks 20-29 reach the magic last mark almost simultaneously. Conditions like on Lake Zurich for Oliver Heer SUI - he has been in the doldrums in the ‘Howling Fifties’ for 4 days now, still in 30th place. ----- The race tracker and the reports.