Vendée Arctique: whole fleet forced to stop

The second edition of the Vendée Arctique has been stopped midway through the race as a 50 knot storm and cross seas were deemed to dangerous to continue

The second edition of the Vendée Arctique has been brought to a stop by race organisers halfway through the course as a dangerous low pressure system has been deemed too dangerous to let the solo sailors, on their IMOCA 60s, continue. The race will be restarted after the weather system has passed.

The Vendée Arctique course runs from Les Sables d’Olonne, France and was due to round Iceland before the fleet head south again to the finish back in Les Sables d’Olonne, France. However, the weather has been an issue since the fleet set off, with a high pressure ridge in the early days of the race slowing the entire fleet significantly.

Then, when a significant low pressure appeared on the forecast, organisers made the decision to replace the rounding of Iceland with a point to the south of the country with the hopes the fleet might be able to head south before the worst of the weather made things too dangerous for the bulk of the fleet – which had already seen a significant amount of separation due to the early high pressure ridge.

But it recently became clear that even that change would not be enough to shelter the fleet from the worst of the low pressure system, so organisers took the decision to make the rounding point to the south of Iceland an effective finish and will restart the fleet on a race back to Les Sables d’Olonne once the worst of the weather has passed.

The decision was taken because the deepening low pressure system which is passing across the course area Thursday 16th, Friday 17th and Saturday 18th June, has winds forecast to gust up to 45-50 knots with dangerous cross seas.

Once the solo racers pass through the gate to the south of Iceland they are no longer racing and can take shelter. Race direction will determine the time each boat finishes and each  will then start at intervals determined by the time they passed the Iceland gate.

Charlie Dalin, who has once again in this race proved both his offshore tactical nous and the raw pace of his IMOCA60 Apivia, led through the Iceland gate at 02:23:20hrs HF (00:23:20 UTC) Friday 17 June 2022 and has, as instructed, put his race on hold.

Jérémie Beyou on Charal was second 3 hours 43 minutes and 34 seconds after Dalin and so will restart after that same time interval behind the race leader.

At 0700hrs HF this morning Thomas Ruyant on LinkedOut was less than 30 miles from the gate and should cross this morning with Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur – Duo For A Job) later, and the first daggerboard (non-foiler) boat on the former Macif/SMA.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post Vendée Arctique: whole fleet forced to stop appeared first on Yachting World.

Source: https://www.yachtingworld.com/races/vendee-arctique-whole-fleet-forced-to-stop-139009