Last cape, last southern depression, last miles to skirt the ice zone... Winter is almost over for Louis and his Vendée Globe companions, because even if they are still sailing in the 50s this Friday, they are heading towards the light, the warmth... towards the North!
The skipper Fives Group – Lantana Environnement rounded the Falkland Islands yesterday afternoon in tough conditions and is continuing his climb north this morning, pushed by this latest major southern depression which he managed to negotiate well, staying on the edge of this meteorological phenomenon.

The effect of the rubber band
As we have already mentioned, depressions are whirlwinds of air. A direct consequence: they suck in the wind all around them. Thus, a little higher up in the Atlantic, calms (the Saint Helena anticyclone) slow down the progress of the group of competitors ahead of Louis'. This is the famous rubber band effect: the fleet has therefore regrouped a little in recent hours... And, once again, the match is back on in this exciting Vendée Globe!
At 7am this Friday, after exactly 2 months, 60 days and 60 nights of non-stop racing, the skipper of the Imoca with the big flower is battling in 23rd position, 4th of the Imoca with daggerboards. Benjamin Ferré is only 200 miles away, Tanguy le Turquais 115 miles away…

Compose with what you have
There is still a third of the course to negotiate. The Norman will however be seriously handicapped by the loss of his downwind sails and his autopilot stuck in "compass" mode, but he will deal with it, in order to make the most of the weather conditions he will encounter and, above all, with the major objective of successfully completing his loop. A loop which has also become, over the miles, an adventure, a challenge for all those who support and follow him, on land.
A respectuous and circular sporting event
The Fives IMOCA is an "upcycled" boat. Thanks to Louis, it lives a 2nd life!
Louis and his team gave a new life to a very damaged IMOCA because of a fire. This refurbishment undertaking was a real technical challenge... that succeeded in only 10 months!
Louis and his team continue to apply this upcycling principle and optimization research with a constant effort on sobriety throughout this Vendée Globe program.
Louis is also very keen on respecting everyone's work and giving a chance.
The Fives Group, a major partner in this Vendée Globe program, has been seduced by such commitment and values, as it shares the same values and responsibilities.
Fives, your partner for a more virtuous industry
For over 200 years, the Group has designed the breakthrough solutions and technologies that make industry what it is. From the first railways to the Eiffel Tower, through the spatial conquest, Fives always spearheaded the industry of the future. Pioneering decarbonization, the Group is an unconditional partner of the industry's energy transition. Through digitization, the promotion of a circular economy and the development of new processes and new energy sources, Fives puts its technological leadership to its customers' service.
www.fivesgroup.com