From record-breaking performances on the water to groundbreaking training camps, the world of sailing has been buzzing with activity this past week.
Vendée Globe: Dalin Nears Record Pace, Fierce Competition Behind
Charlie Dalin, racing from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, to Cape Leeuwin, Australia, reached the landmark in just 29 days, 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 59 seconds—just six hours shy of Armel Le Cléac’h’s 2016 Vendée Globe record. Dalin holds a 155-nautical-mile lead over Sébastien Simon (Groupe Dubreuil), with Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkea) close behind.
Both Simon and Richomme have posted faster 24-hour times than Dalin recently, shrinking the gap as they approach Cape Leeuwin. Meanwhile, farther back, first-time Vendée Globe skippers are recovering from last week’s ferocious storm south of South Africa.
“The depression we hit calmed us all down,” said rookie Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur – Duo for a Job), currently in 26th place in the 38-boat fleet. “We wanted the shortest route but got hit with 50 knots.”
Women’s Match Racing World Championship: Normandy Elite Team Triumphs
Closer to shore, the 2024 Women’s Match Racing World Championship concluded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The French-flagged Normandy Elite Team, led by Pauline Courtois, secured 21 wins in 21 races to claim victory.
New Zealand’s Team 2.0 finished second, while Sweden’s Team Wings took third.
“Pauline made no errors in the final for a well-deserved win,” said Megan Thomson of Team 2.0.
U.S. Olympic and Youth Development Camps Kick Off LA2028 Quadrennial
In Miami and Long Beach, U.S. Sailing hosted its first Olympic Development Program (ODP) camp for the LA2028 quadrennial, involving over 200 sailors and 54 coaches. The camps included sailing, fitness training, recovery sessions, and enrichment talks with former Olympians.
“This was our first official ODP camp of the new quad, and we’re off to an excellent start,” said Rosie Chapman, Olympic Development Director.
SailGP Advances Gender Equity with Women’s Performance Camp
SailGP launched its first Women’s Performance Camp in Dubai to advance gender equity in sailing.
“This camp marks an important step forward in achieving greater gender equity,” said Fiona Morgan, SailGP’s Chief Purpose Officer.
Phuket King’s Cup: Warm Weather and Stunning Racing
Meanwhile, Thailand hosted the 36th Phuket King’s Cup (November 30–December 6) in Chon Buri, delivering tropical sailing thrills for participants and spectators alike.
From record-setting races to grassroots development and high-profile championships, the sailing world continues to inspire and evolve. Sail-World extends its best wishes to all sailors navigating challenges and opportunities around the globe.
