Route du rum. A masterful singles duel between Ruyant, the new leader, and Dalin

Special Envoy at Pointe-à-Pitre

If Charles Caudrelier and Francois Gabart offered a masterful duel in the Ultim category, Charlie Dalin (Apiwa) and Thomas Ruyant (Linked) are on their way to mark the history of the event between Imokas with a stunning showdown after leaving St. Malo: With a firm hold on the leaderboard after crossing the Azores, Dallin has seen his lead gradually melt away like snow in the sun since Thursday, opting for a route further south than his rival.

Read alsoRoute du rum. direct, boat positions and ratings on 12th edition cartography

And a thunderous Friday morning. Thanks to an Apivia-triggered change of direction, Ruyant controls the classification (at 6:00) with a 0.8 mile lead. And the gap widens (5.6 miles at 8am). Losing strategy or a slightly damaged Imoka? The mystery remains complete for now for Dahlin, who seemed to dominate the debates forty-eight hours ago.

Dahlin is scheduled to speak to some media outlets late Friday afternoon who will not hesitate to ask him that question. One thing is certain. the huge favorite among monoholes is now the hunter’s seat as both men await in the West Indies on Sunday evening. Behind, Kevin Escoffier (Holcim-PRB) had not had his last word with 60 miles to go.

Read alsoRoute du rum. “I’ll be there in four, eight, twelve years…” concludes the indomitable Frances Joyon at the foot of the podium.

In the Ocean Fifty, Quentin Vlaminck (Arkema) is still at the top of the leaderboard, but the competition remains strong. Erwan Le Roux (Coesio, 23.6 miles) and Sébastien Rogues (Primonial, 73.9) remain very threatening. Finally, in the 40s, Yoan Richom (Paprek-Arkea) remains in the lead. The reigning champion manages to maintain his lead over the chasers.

The sailors who wrote the legend of the Route du rhum since 1978

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