In the demanding world of singlehanded sailing, a week can make all the difference. This is evident in the progress of the 2024 Vendée Globe. Race leader Charlie Dalin, aboard *Macif Santé Prévoyance*, has achieved significant milestones, including passing Cape Leeuwin—one of the three great capes—after navigating around the Cape of Good Hope just a week earlier. Dalin covered the distance from the starting line at Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, to Cape Leeuwin in an impressive 29 days, 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 59 seconds, just shy of the 2016 record set by Armel Le Cléac’h.
Dalin currently holds a 155-nautical-mile lead over Sébastien Simon on *Groupe Dubreuil*. Yoann Richomme on *Paprec Arkea* rounds out the top three. However, Simon and Richomme are closing the gap, posting faster 24-hour results than Dalin in recent days. The pressure on the leader is intensifying, as stronger breezes favor his rivals.
Further back in the fleet, newcomers faced challenges during a powerful storm south of South Africa. Benjamin Ferré, racing on *Monnoyeur – Duo for a Job*, reflected on the tough conditions, noting how skippers quickly adjusted their strategies after being hit by 50-knot winds. This baptism of fire demonstrated the resilience of these first-time participants.
Closer to shore, the 2024 Women’s Match Racing World Championship concluded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The French Normandy Elite Team, comprising Pauline Courtois, Maëlenn Lemaitre, Louise Acker, Sophie Faguet, and Laurane Mettraux, dominated with an undefeated record across 21 races. New Zealand’s Team 2.0, led by Megan Thomson, claimed second place, while Team Wings from Sweden finished third. Thomson praised the intense competition, acknowledging Courtois’ flawless performance in the finals.
In the United States, US Sailing’s development programs are gearing up for future Olympic success. Three training camps involving over 200 sailors and 54 coaches marked the start of the new LA 2028 Olympic cycle. The Olympic Development Program held its first camp in Miami, Florida, emphasizing a holistic training approach that balances on-water sessions with gym work, expert briefings, and recovery strategies. Notable former Olympians shared their insights during a panel discussion, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Simultaneously, the Youth Thanksgiving Racing Camp brought together young sailors in Miami and Long Beach, California. Youth Performance Manager Phil Muller highlighted the program’s goal of fostering collaboration between youth, college, professional, and Olympic-level sailing, with an emphasis on teamwork as the foundation for success.
aaSailGP also made strides in promoting gender equity with its inaugural Women’s Performance Camp in Dubai, held shortly after the first event of the 2025 season. Fiona Morgan, SailGP’s Chief Purpose Officer, emphasized the significance of these initiatives in paving the way for greater inclusion in sailing.
For those seeking a break from winter chills, the 36th Phuket King’s Cup in Thailand offered a vibrant spectacle. The event, held from November 30 to December 6, provided sailors and fans with a warm-weather escape and showcased the international appeal of competitive sailing.
From intense offshore racing to groundbreaking initiatives for inclusivity and youth development, these stories reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of the sailing world. Sailors at all levels are pushing boundaries, driven by a shared passion for the sport and a commitment to excel.