Narrow margins and southern seas: Globe40 Leg 2 dramatic finish at St Paul Bay

At 13:05 UTC on 1 November, BELGIUM OCEAN RACING – CURIUM crossed the line in St Paul's Bay, Réunion Island, completing the second leg of the GLOBE40 after covering 8,420 nautical miles at an average speed of 11.73 knots; the top three boats arrived within nine minutes of each other following 29 days and 22 hours of racing.

Final sprint and podium timeline

The late-race dynamics were decisive: CRÉDIT MUTUEL led until about 15 miles from the finish, but encountered a wind shadow near the island that cost crucial momentum. The three finishing times were separated by mere minutes, reflecting an intensely tactical duel that persisted almost the entire leg.

At a glance: the route and weather challenges

• Mindelo Bay, São Vicente, Cape Verde — 4th October departure.
• Key meteorological features: light-air start, Doldrums crossing, sustained downwinds off Brazil, passage around the St Helena High, entry into the Roaring Forties.
• Southern section: sustained work along 42°S, Cape of Good Hope rounding, Cape Agulhas entry into the Indian Ocean.
• Final approach: complex ascent in the Indian Ocean marked by multiple light-wind and current zones leading to Réunion Island.

Stage records and performance highlights

This leg set multiple benchmarks for the new generation. Class40 boats: it is the longest leg of this GLOBE40 edition, the longest segment sailed by the latest round-nosed scow Class40s, and includes a 24-hour distance record of 457.72 nm (set by the Belgian team on 14 October). On several course sections, average speeds reached race-class records – for instance, 14.7 kt between the equator and Cape of Good Hope.

Team profile: a recovery and a statement

BELGIUM OCEAN RACING – CURIUM emerged from a rebuilding project centred on Renaud Dehareng and Jonas Gerckens. The squad faced setbacks in recent seasons — including a delivery accident that sidelined their earlier boat — but regrouped with crew members Benoit Hantzperg and Djamila Tassin joining the campaign. Hantzperg’s professional experience was instrumental in steadying the team through power losses and tactical gambits, demonstrating how an “amateur” programme can still perform at a top level when backed by seasoned leadership.

Race dynamics and statistics

The duel between CRÉDIT MUTUEL і CURIUM featured 29 lead changes and never more than 70 miles between the two, averaging roughly one lead swap per day. Mechanical issues, crew fatigue, and micro-weather near islands were constant factors that separated victory from defeat.

Implications for Class40 and offshore racing

Proving that new-generation Class40s can reliably tackle extended Southern Ocean legs—even beyond typical transatlantic distances—this edition of GLOBE40 advances the class’s credibility. The race demonstrated that technically advanced, yet financially accessible, boats allow crews to experience high-latitude sailing, wildlife encounters such as albatross fly-bys, and the logistical complexities of long ocean stages. The presence of older “pointu” Class40s approaching Reunion underlines that different hull concepts can coexist and remain competitive in mixed fleets.

Visitor note: Réunion Island stopover

When competitors reach Reunion, crews and visitors alike enjoy local hospitality and island attractions before the next leg to Sydney on 22 November, which again heads into the Roaring Forties. For travellers, this is an opportunity to combine race spectating with island activities — a chance to sample local culture, coastal excursions, and marine wildlife experiences.

The finish in St. Paul's Bay underscores the drama and resilience inherent to offshore racing: tight finishes after extended ocean passages, technical innovation in the Class40 platform, and human stories of recovery and teamwork. Nevertheless, no amount of reportage replaces actually being there to feel the salt, hear the engines of support craft, or watch a finish line sprint in person. On GetExperience.com You can make full and secure payments with voucher confirmation afterwards, submit tailored requests for local tours or excursions, and find verified providers offering race-area visits and related activities at reasonable prices — a practical way to turn coverage into firsthand travel memories. Book now. GetExperience.com

In summary: the Globe40 Leg 2 finish in Reunion was a testament to tight tactics, boat evolution, and crew endurance. BELGIUM OCEAN RACING – CURIUM prevailed after an 8,420 nm test that set speed and distance records for modern Class40s; CREDIT MUTUEL and other teams pushed the limits through shifting winds and currents. For travellers and sailing fans, this event blends travel experiences with the potential for adventure activities, yacht parties, cruise packages, safari tours, museum tours with live guides, online virtual tours, interactive online cultural workshops, and even options like exclusive yacht charters for events. Whether seeking beginner esports coaching sessions or professional esports training programmes onshore, or adventure rafting trips for beginners and eco-friendly wildlife safaris ashore, the race offers inspiration for luxury adventure travel experiences and practical touring options.