Tanguy Le Turquais is currently positioned between 22nd and 30th in the Vendée Globe as he prepares to navigate the challenging Southern Oceans. He reflects on his journey, sharing moments with a gannet companion and addressing a critical sail repair. Despite facing wind challenges and a loss of distance, Tanguy finds beauty in the experience. Approaching the Cape of Good Hope, he feels a shift in atmosphere and excitement for the next phase of his adventure.
Update from the Vendée Globe: Tanguy Le Turquais’ Journey
As the third week of the Vendée Globe unfolds, Tanguy Le Turquais finds himself navigating between the 22nd and 30th positions. While the leading foilers zoom toward the Cape of Good Hope, Tanguy contemplates the transition away from the favorable conditions of the Atlantic. “In just a few days, I’ll be facing the renowned Southern Oceans and the impending storms. I’m excited yet aware that my eagerness may fade once I’m out there. Here we go!”
A New Companion on the Journey
During this solo sailing adventure, even the smallest bird can become a cherished companion. Tanguy shares, “I’ve made a new little friend over the past two days—a clever gannet. He waits for the flying fish to leap from the water when my boat hits the waves, making it easier for him to catch them.” While this feathered friend provides some entertainment, he also presents challenges: “On the downside, he’s left his mark on my sails. With all he’s eaten, it’s no surprise!”
Addressing Sail Repairs
On the 16th day at sea, Tanguy Le Turquais had to address a crucial repair on his sail. “This morning, during my routine check, I discovered a small tear in my J1 sail, which is the largest genoa at 140 m²,” he explains. This repair is vital: “It’s the sail I’ll rely on the most during this circumnavigation. I need to tackle this today, and I’ll be making the repair while in the air.” After gearing up with harnesses and straps, Tanguy prepares for the challenging task ahead. “It’s like trapeze work,” he remarks during the process. “I’m giving it a bit of power. I hope it holds because if it rips further, I could be left without a sail. It’s definitely better to be cautious.”
Challenges of the Wind
One of the biggest fears during a sailing race is a lack of wind, and Tanguy faced this reality on his 18th night at sea. “I spent the night under a massive cloud with no wind whatsoever. Unfortunately, I lost about 50 miles,” he laments. However, he finds solace in the beauty of the moment: “Last night was a breathtaking spectacle of contemplation. It was truly magnificent.” Yet, upon waking, his mood shifts. “The race can quickly change your mindset, which is tough. Offshore racing is a long game; you can accumulate distance over time, but everything can be lost in a single night. It’s a bit disheartening.”
Approaching the Cape of Good Hope
As Tanguy Le Turquais closes in on the Cape of Good Hope, he notices a distinct change in the atmosphere. “Today, the vibe shifted. The sea and sky are becoming grayer, signaling the arrival of the Southern Ocean.” Approaching this more complex and turbulent section, he admits to feeling a bit introspective. “I’m in a strange mindset, pondering many philosophical questions.” After a week of somewhat monotonous sailing, where he remained on one tack, he’s eager for change: “I just tacked for the first time this week, which reconnects me with racing strategy and gives me a sense of purpose.”
Reflecting on his week, Tanguy indicates that despite feeling somewhat lost at times, he managed to keep himself occupied. “I slept, ate, and worked on the boat. I even watched Thomas Pesquet’s documentary, ’16 Sunrises,’ and felt like an astronaut aboard the ISS. It was quite a pleasant experience.” As he looks forward to the next phase of his Vendée Globe journey, Tanguy shares, “Passing the Cape of Good Hope will surely signal my entry into the Southern Oceans. I’m excited to see what lies ahead.”