In the fourth week of the Vendée Globe, Tanguy Le Turquais remains competitive, navigating between 25th and 18th place as he approaches the Cape of Good Hope. Celebrating this milestone, he reflects on his journey and his daughter’s future pride in his achievement. However, he faces significant challenges, including equipment failures and an impending storm. Despite the difficulties, Tanguy remains optimistic and determined, marking this moment as the true beginning of his Vendée Globe experience.
Week Four of the Vendée Globe: Tanguy Le Turquais in the Thick of It
As we delve into the fourth week of the Vendée Globe, the exhilarating solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world sailing race, Tanguy Le Turquais continues to hold his ground among the top skippers, positioning himself between 25th and 18th place. Approaching the iconic Cape of Good Hope, Tanguy senses the Southern seas stirring up excitement: “The sea is chaotic in every direction. We’re entering a new phase. It’s time to put on our socks and boots. A new race is about to kick off this week.”
Riding the Waves of Emotion
On Day 25, as Tanguy crosses the longitude of the Cape of Good Hope, his joy spills over: “It feels incredible. I’m so thrilled to be here. We’ve journeyed from Les Sables-d’Olonne to the Cape of Good Hope. It’s unbelievable.” His first thoughts are for his two-year-old daughter: “For the rest of my life, I’ll be able to show her the world map and say, ‘Look, daddy sailed from here to there.’ It fills me with pride!” This significant milestone in his journey and entry into the Southern seas serves as a massive motivation for the Lazare skipper: “Now I’m eager to see what lies ahead.”
On Day 26, while Tanguy continues to celebrate his remarkable achievement, he acknowledges that the toughest challenges are still to come. “I’ve crossed the Cape of Good Hope and, more importantly, the Cape of Agulhas, marking my entry into the Indian Ocean. A storm is approaching. It feels like when you know you’ve messed up at school, your parents are in the loop, but you’re at home waiting for them to come back. I’m in that exact spot. The storm is on its way.”
That same day, Tanguy encounters the harsh realities of sailing in these treacherous waters. “I’m frustrated. There’s been a massive breakdown. I just broke three battens during an unexpected jibe in winds reaching 50 knots.” With no option but to make repairs, he notes, “I must drop the mainsail and fix these battens.” After completing the repairs, he shares the gravity of the situation: “There was a risk of tearing the mainsail, damaging the rigging, and possibly losing the mast,” while pointing out the damage he sustained.
Quickly getting to work, Tanguy disassembles the broken battens, crafts three new ones, and reassembles everything. “This feels like the true beginning of the Vendée Globe. This marks the start of the challenges. It’s anxiety-inducing,” he admits, maintaining his calm and confidence. “The external conditions are nothing short of apocalyptic. But I know that even the toughest times will eventually give way to better ones.”
With a palpable sense of relief, Tanguy revels in the completion of his repairs: “I believe the Vendée Globe has officially begun. An albatross appeared when I was in the midst of lifting the battens. That’s a good omen!” Although this breakdown has drained the Lazare skipper, he takes pride in what he has achieved: “I’m at the end of my strength, friends. But I’m happy now. I’ve given it my all. Let’s keep pushing forward at full speed!”