Since Isabelle Joschke’s retirement last night at 10:23 pm, the 9th Vendée Globe has 26 competitors still in the race, 13 in full swing up the South Atlantic, 13 pining for Cape Horn in the South Pacific.

439 miles. This is the distance that now separates Yannick Bestaven, who has been in charge of the fleet for 21 days, and his closest opponent Thomas Ruyant.

In a video uploaded today, Bestaven sings at the top of his lungs in front of a wonderful sunset. The sliding conditions are perfect. Vocal side, it derails a bit in the treble. But in terms of the race, no false note to deplore. The leader unrolls a perfect score.

This morning at 5:39 am (French time) it was Charlie Dalin’s turn to climb the last of the three peaks around the world, 3 pm behind the red hull of Maître CoQ IV. First at Bonne Espérance, first at Leeuwin, second at Cape Horn… the skipper of Apivia is close to perfect.

“I find myself dreaming of being in the top 5 at Cape Horn! It would be crazy! “. Not so crazy, not so crazy, not so dreamlike. On this 51st day of racing, 1600 miles from Cape Horn, rookie Damien Seguin has just grabbed 3rd place. His red boat is ahead of LinkedOut by a few miles at the 3 pm check-in.