TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS
CREDIT MUTUEL’S GREAT BREAKAWAY
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS – February 25, 2026
CREDIT MUTUEL’S GREAT BREAKAWAY
The comparison with cycling, with a partner heavily involved in the sport, is apt to describe the Class40 CREDIT MUTUEL’s performance in this 5th leg of the GLOBE40. So far, it has presented a different picture from the previous three legs, marked by a fierce, close-quarters battle with the BELGIUM OCEAN RACING – CURIUM team. Is this something to regret? It’s offshore racing, and nothing is predetermined. Whichever side you’re on, whether you’re lucky or unlucky, depending on the circumstances, you have to accept it as it is, and anything is possible until the very last minute (or even sooner, as we saw in Valparaiso). Crossing an area like the approaches to Cape Horn in less intense racing conditions might frustrate the competitor but reassures the sailor. One thing is certain: all these sailors are experiencing exceptional moments.
After a tough start, three days of close-hauled sailing in 30-knot winds and rough seas, the first verdict was in: the Belgian team was hampered by significant damage (a broken halyard on the J1’s largest headsail and a destroyed mainsail track, which is used to trim the sail) had to stop. They then discovered the beauty of the Chilean coast and the lovely Valdivia River for a five-hour pit stop; but the penalty at the finish was severe: they had to divert course, stop, and restart in unfavorable weather conditions. Very quickly, the 250 miles lost at the restart became almost 500 miles today. The French team, with a highly motivated crew, benefited from the weather conditions, which allowed them to extend their lead while the fleet of “high-performance” pursuers was trapped in a ridge of high pressure.
The scenario described also reflects the challenging conditions currently faced by CREDIT MUTUEL, which is sailing at 16 knots in 30 to 40 knots of wind towards Cape Horn, 350 miles away; the legendary cape should be rounded tomorrow. Meanwhile, BELGIUM OCEAN RACING – CURIUM has already made up half its deficit to the five Class40 “pointy” boats, which have been significantly slowed for the past two days in a calm zone, and should find itself back in fast downwind conditions within the next 24 hours. As for the Class40 “pointy” boats, the recent calm has not dampened their competitive spirit, with a fierce battle still raging between FREE DOM and BARCO BRASIL, and very small gaps between them and WHISKEY JACK, WILSON, and JANGADA RACING.