Finding Momentum in the Ups and Downs

The Journey So Far

In our previous blog, Ollie had to deal with a couple of minor technical setbacks, but otherwise was enjoying sailing, maintaining a perfect balance between speed and endurance.  In the two weeks since then, Ollie has faced the toughest mental challenges of his race so far.

Ollie had been well positioned, fewer than 200 miles separated Ollie from Koji Shirashi (DMG Mori One) and Guirec Soudée (Freelance.com). The trio had sailed alongside each other for several days, with Ollie dropping behind slightly when he dropped his mainsail to repair his mainsail batten (day 40) and then again when he discovered his keel hydraulics issue (day 41).

Neither issue were showstoppers but they needed attention to prevent them from becoming critical. Ollie’s rapid work resulted in a minimal loss of distance, although this small gap was to prove significant over the following weeks.

Isolation at Christmas

Christmas was unlike any other for Ollie. It was the first time he wasn't with his family in Switzerland. Instead, he found himself south of Tasmania, almost halfway around the world, in the Vendée Globe passing from the Indian Ocean into the Pacific. When he received messages from his family and friends, it highlighted to him, just how far away from home he was and for the first time in the race he acknowledged that he felt a sense of isolation.

Ever positive, Ollie tried to make happy memories, embracing the unique circumstances; decorating his boat, playing Christmas music and opening presents from loved ones.

Celebrating The Halfway Mark

Boxing Day (day 47) marked a significant positive milestone as Ollie officially passed the halfway point of the race. The steady winds and flat waters were an enjoyable respite, providing Ollie with a chance to reflect, recharge and complete some minor repairs ahead of an impending storm.

Battling the Elements

December 27th (day 48) brought the edge of the low-pressure system into touching distance, with winds building throughout the day from 15 knots, to 20, to 25, 35 and up to 50 knots overnight. At the same time the sea state worsened, changing from flat seas to 7m waves crashing side on to Ollie creating an uncomfortable rolling swell.

The storm tested both Ollie and his boat, but both emerged unharmed into the grey daylight of day 49 (December 28th).  Ollie found a moment of humble tranquillity amidst the wild beauty of his surroundings after the ferocity of the storm the night before.

Meanwhile, his earlier sailing companions of Koji and Guirec had sailed ahead, their small lead had kept them in stronger winds over the Christmas period. They were ahead of the storm which in fact powered them to an 800 mile lead over Ollie, even catching up with a group of boats further ahead who had run into a band of extremely light wind.  

High Pressure Situation

As the new year approached, Ollie faced a different kind of pressure — a lack of wind. On January 1st, 2025, he found himself with just 4-5 knots of wind, in the centre of a high-pressure system, unable to move forward.

Forecasted to last initially for just a couple of days, the wind hole continued to expand and sit over Ollie and ended up lasting for almost six days, testing the limits of Ollie's patience and mental strength.

Contrary to common belief, sailing in such light wind conditions is as stressful, or even more stressful than heavy winds. You must be very switched on to keep the boat moving so there is no rest time.

Adding to Ollie’s frustration, he was the only boat caught in this wind hole and there was nowhere to go to avoid it. He couldn’t take the logical option of sailing to the south and into stronger winds as this would have meant crossing the AEZ, the Antarctic Exclusion Zone, so he had no choice but to wait it out as best he could.

Ollie could do nothing but watch as the boats behind caught up, and the boats ahead extended their lead to over 1700 miles, with little chance to catch them up.

The last couple of days have been, I’m sorry to say it, totally shit. They were by far the worst days I had in the Vendée Globe from a mental perspective. The boats ahead have gone from 500 miles ahead to 1700. It’s a different universe in terms of sailing and that is a very hard pill to swallow.

Finding Momentum Again

Finally on January 6th (day 58), the high pressure edged away to the north, allowing Ollie to catch the gentlest glimpses of wind which should build to a steady breeze and allow him to resume progress west to Cape Horn.

Despite the challenges, he found solace in small pleasures, such as celebrating his five-year wedding anniversary.

With a renewed focus, Ollie aims to regain momentum and make his way toward Cape Horn, determined to overcome the obstacles and continue his journey with resilience and hope.

Finally, the winds are strengthening, from the direction they are supposed to so I will hopefully have quite a clean sail along the ice limit towards Cape Horn, so I’m just trying to get into these strong winds as quickly as possible.

#Heerwego