A stopover in Chile that will be remembered
The Horn Totem and the steep climb back to Brazil
An ever-increasing competitive tension
Today (February 18, 2026) at 2:20 PM local time (5:20 PM UTC), the competitors in the 2nd edition of the GLOBE40 set off from Valparaiso Bay in 25 knots of wind and bright sunshine for the 5th leg of the race. A 4,860-mile direct route, this course is first marked by rounding the legendary Cape Horn, followed by a challenging 3,000-mile climb back up to Recife in Brazil through a complex weather zone. The coeficient 2 leg includes a showdown between the two leaders who finished in a dead heat in Chile: BELGIUM OCEAN RACING – CURIUM leads by 2 points over CREDIT MUTUEL, which needs to gain points to stay in contention before the final leg to Lorient.
Among the Classic Class40s, the return of FREE DOM, after the solo crossing of the Pacific, will heighten the competition, as all competitors aim to secure valuable points ahead of the final leg. The German team NEXT GENERATION is expected to rejoin the competition, potentially boosting the fleet.
Valparaiso and Chile: A stopover That Will Remain Memorable
Lisa Berger of the WILSON project expressed her admiration for Chile and its welcoming people, revealing that Valparaiso, with its vibrant hills and artistic vibe, has won the hearts of the competitors. The leg has allowed crews the opportunity to explore the breathtaking diversity of Chilean geography, from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia. Thanks to local support, including the Higuarillas Yacht Club and the Chilean Navy’s assistance, the stopover has been seamless and enjoyable.
Cape Horn: A Target for Competitors
Rounding Cape Horn is a significant milestone for offshore racers, marking a transition and presenting unique challenges. Competitors will face 1,500 miles from Valparaiso to this landmark, which should be reached by the latest Class40s within a week. The classic Class40s will follow closely. These waters are known for their treacherous conditions, with unpredictable weather patterns introducing difficulty as the teams prepare for a demanding journey ahead.
The competition is becoming increasingly intense.
The two leading teams, BELGIUM OCEAN RACING – CURIUM and CREDIT MUTUEL, will re-enter the fray, eager to solidify their standings post their thrilling finish in Valparaiso. With all eyes on them, the restructured Belgian team seeks to maintain its lead while CREDIT MUTUEL aims to reclaim points and victory at the end of the final leg. Meanwhile, FREE DOM returns to the race with new crew dynamics and a strong rivalry with BARCO BRASIL, who currently leads in points. A tightly contested battle is anticipated throughout the competition.
Copyright : Alejandro Cubillos
Hashtags: #GLOBE40 #CapeHornChallenge #AustralianSailing #OffshoreRace
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