Two options, two patterns

You need to be made of sturdy stuff to take on the option undertaken by Giancarlo Pedote, Anthony Marchand and the handful of other competitors in the IMOCA class. Indeed, this westerly route strays away from the great circle route, which has had the effect of creating big gaps in the ranking in relation to those who are favouring the direct course. This morning, at the 07:00 UTC position, the two groups are over 200 miles apart in terms of distance to the goal. The good news is that the trend might well start to reverse if the progress of the group to the south, led by Apivia, begins to stall as expected once it starts to feel the effects of the famous ridge of high pressure lounging offshore of Gibraltar. For the time being, on both sides, the fleet is maintaining average speeds bordering on 10-11 knots, but those out to the west should soon begin to make a difference, which will likely grow considerably over the course of the day. It’s a day where some will have to deal with the light shifty airs on flat seas whilst linking together multiple manœuvres, while the others will see the wind pick up despite a chaotic playground. However, tonight promises to be very bracing for the Italo-French duo and those around them. Indeed, they’ll finally be able to dive southwards, but they’ll also be shaken about in the process as they negotiate the centre of another low-pressure system, with up to 40 knots of breeze. Within this context, daybreak is sure to give us a clearer idea of whether or not the westerly option has paid off. In the meantime, the die has been cast and our fingers are crossed for Prysmian Group.