Race leaders in the GLOBE40 are about 1,100 miles from Valparaiso this morning, Sunday, January 18. Belgium Ocean Racing‑Curium and Credit Mutuel have begun the final stretch of Leg 4. They exited the Southern Ocean 48 hours ago after a final tack near the 50°S latitude limit. Both boats are now heading directly for the Chilean port. An approaching anticyclonic weather system could alter positions in the closing days of this long leg.
The two leaders have sailed around 5,800 miles so far at an average of 14.2 knots. With the remaining distance, the total for Leg 4 will be close to 7,000 miles. This leg from Sydney to Valparaiso has taken the fleet deep into the Roaring Forties. For most skippers, it was a first in this remote ocean expanse. Only Melodie Schaffer and Alan Roberts had previous experience here.
While the Cape Verde to Reunion leg was longer at about 8,000 miles, it stayed closer to land. This Pacific crossing has been open, isolated and demanding. Average daily runs topped 1,200 miles in three days, and seas with waves up to 7m and winds above 30 knots tested crews throughout.
It was also a first for Class40 yachts in this terrain once thought reserved for larger ocean classes. The latest generation Class40s showed they can handle intense conditions. Skippers described profound personal experiences in the vast ocean. Organisers likened it to the feelings of early pioneers crossing remote landscapes in historic aircraft.
Images from the boats highlighted the stark beauty of the Southern Ocean and wandering albatrosses.
FREE DOM’s journey on this leg has been eventful. After departing on January 1, the yacht turned back early with rudder damage from a collision with a floating object.
Back in Sydney, the team waited for a replacement rudder from France. Departing again, lightning struck the boat, causing a total electrical blackout. The crew returned to Sydney, repaired damage and restarted for the third time on Saturday, January 17. Sydney’s sailing community praised their persistence. Support from fellow skippers and race organisers has remained strong throughout these setbacks, reflecting the spirit of GLOBE40.
As the anticyclone approaches, the lead gap has shrunk. In 48 hours, the margin between Hantzperg/Tassin and Carpentier/Roberts has fallen from 80 to under 50 miles. Credit Mutuel is now in a more favourable position amid lighter winds ahead, setting up a tense finish to Leg 4. Past legs have shown rapid changes are possible and nothing is certain until the finish at Valparaiso.
