Vendée Globe rookie, Yoann Richomme secures second place

Yoann Richomme, skipper of Paprec Arkéa, has secured a formidable second-place end within the 2024-2025 Vendée Globe, finishing his first try on the well-known race in 65 days, 18 hours, and 10 minutes.

Arriving at Les Sables d’Olonne at 06:12 UTC on Wednesday January 15, Richomme was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd that had gathered earlier than daybreak to rejoice his achievement. As is all the time the case in Les Sables d’Olonne the spectators lined the enduring channel, cheering and applauding as his boat emerged from the early morning mist. Visibly moved, Richomme smiled and waved, totally immersing himself within the second.

Reflecting on his accomplishment, Richomme expressed immense delight and gratitude in the direction of his supporters, stating, “I’m very proud and I consider all of the individuals who helped us, even earlier than, the previous sponsors. I’m eager to share with them as nicely. It’s been an unimaginable journey. We ready rather well. In my head I used to be prepared, I hardly needed to tinker, the boat is able to go once more!”

Intense battle

All through the race, Richomme has engaged in a fierce and thrilling duel with eventual winner (and very long time offshore racing rival) Charlie Dalin. A pivotal second occurred within the Indian Ocean when Richomme selected a safer route round a large low-pressure system, whereas Dalin and Sébastien Simon took a extra direct path via the storm’s centre.

This choice initially set Richomme again by over 500 miles, however his relentless willpower noticed him regain the lead by Cape Horn, holding a slim benefit of 9 minutes and 30 seconds over Dalin.

The competitors intensified on the return leg northbound within the Atlantic, with Richomme and Dalin exchanging leads in a high-stakes sport of cat and mouse. Regardless of a setback on January 10, when Richomme’s J0 headsail hook broke ensuing within the lack of the sail, he maintained strain on Dalin till the race’s conclusion.

Dalin (left) congratulates second positioned Richomme in Les Sables d’Olonne. Picture: Jean-Marie Liot

Dalin finally clinched victory on January 14, 2025, setting a brand new race report of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds, surpassing the earlier report by over 9 days. He attributed his achievement partly to the extreme competitors with Richomme, stating that it pushed him to excel.

Dalin has lengthy had a rivalry with Richomme, courting again practically a decade. Their battles within the Figaro class have been intense, with Richomme narrowly defeating Dalin within the 2016 Solitaire du Figaro by simply over 5 minutes after 4 phases of racing. The 2 have been additionally teammates and coaching companions below the Skipper MACIF program, and their mutual respect continues to push them each to new heights.

Richomme’s second-place end in his first Vendée Globe is a testomony to his distinctive talent and resilience. Masking the theoretical course of 23,906 miles at a mean pace of 15.15 knots, he really sailed 28,326 miles at a mean pace of 17.95 knots.

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