Having set off a week ago from Recife, Brazil, the eight competitors in the final leg of the 2025/2026 GLOBE40 have already encountered diverse conditions. They faced a prolonged stint in the doldrums but completed it within two days. Following this, they had to navigate through an extensive area of sargassum seaweed, which posed challenges either as isolated patches or in dense stretches. Recently, the leaders have surged ahead, rediscovering the high speeds typical of the Southern Ocean now propelled by the Northeast trade winds.
Despite their efforts, a direct route is still elusive; they have covered nearly 1,936 nautical miles, of which only 1,230 were direct. Over 60% further has been a result of the notorious Azores High, which is located far west of its namesake archipelago, demanding a wide detour for all competitors. They are anticipating locating a low-pressure system that could enable a downwind push towards Europe. However, weather predictions suggest a possible lull in the final stretch into Lorient, adding complexity to the race strategies at play.
Currently, the teams share a singular focus: FULL SPEED AHEAD! The atmosphere is charged as they speed towards a critical right turn to round the Azores before entering the Bay of Biscay. With the competition intensifying, teams must ensure their equipment holds up under pressure.
As per the latest rankings on Monday evening, only 2.4 miles currently separate CREDIT MUTUEL, leading the race, from BELGIUM OCEAN RACING – CURIUM. Initially lagging, the French team had managed a lead of 28 miles at one point, but the Belgian crew, finding effective settings between patches of seaweed, has propelled themselves to an impressive speed of 18 knots.
Behind the leaders by 180 miles, the other seven competitors are bunched closely, separated by a mere 112 miles. NEXT GENERATION holds a more easterly position in third place, while BARCO BRASIL edges ahead of the oldest boat in the race, WILSON, which continues to perform commendably. FREE DOM is also pushing to overtake those vessels, with WHISKEY JACK trailing by 35 miles. JANGADA RACING has opted for a much further easterly route, and the effectiveness of this strategy will hopefully be revealed as they round the Azores later this week.
This final leg, with approximately a third completed, is proving to be an exhilarating contest, bolstered by unpredictable weather and the fierce determination of the competing crews.
To follow the race, visit the official tracking site.
Website: www.globe40.com
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