--- title: "Vendée Globe - the single-handed sailing race" url: "https://cparici.com/en/vendee-globe/" markdown_url: "https://cparici.com/en/vendee-globe.md" type: "post" date_published: "2025-03-03T18:21:17+00:00" date_modified: "2026-05-15T06:58:43+00:00" language: "en-US" renderer_version: "3" --- # Vendée Globe - the single-handed sailing race ## Content ![Vendée Globe](https://cparici.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cparici-2025-03-03T185325.253.jpg) #### Popular searches #### Categories No results [See all results](#) Visit **Vendée Globe, the solo race around the world** Visit **Vendée Globe** is a non-stop, non-assisted, single-handed sailing race that circumnavigates the globe via the three legendary capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn. Considered one of the toughest in the world, this competition tests the mettle of even the most seasoned sailors. ## **Vendée Globe - Principles of the Event** Created in 1989 by Philippe Jeantot, the race takes place every four years. Skippers set off from [Sables-d'Olonne](https://cparici.com/en/les-sables-dolonne/) at [Vendée](https://cparici.com/en/vendee/), parcourent environ 45 000 kilomètres autour du globe en contournant les trois caps mythiques (Bonne Espérance, Leeuwin et enfin le cap Horn) pour revenir aux Sables d’Olonne. Cette aventure extrême est souvent surnommée “l’Everest des mers” en raison de sa difficulté. ### **The stages of the race** The Vendée Globe route is divided into several key phases: - **Departure from Les Sables-d'Olonne** : Les skippers s’élancent en novembre, affrontant souvent les tempêtes du golfe de Gascogne. - **Descent of the Atlantic** : Ils traversent les alizés et le pot au noir, zone de calmes imprévisibles près de l’équateur. - **Passing the three capes** : - **Cape of Good Hope** : Entrée dans l’océan Indien. - **Cape Leeuwin** : Approche de l’océan Pacifique sud. - **Cape Horn** : Retour dans l’Atlantique nord. - **Up the Atlantic** : Dernière ligne droite vers les Sables-d’Olonne, souvent marquée par des conditions météorologiques difficiles. ### Boats: IMOCA class Les concurrents naviguent sur des monocoques de 18 mètres appelés IMOCA. Ces bateaux sont conçus pour la performance et la résistance aux conditions extrêmes des océans. Les dernières générations sont équipées de foils, appendices latéraux qui permettent de “voler” au-dessus de l’eau, augmentant ainsi la vitesse et réduisant la traînée. [![Vendée Globe 2024](https://cparici.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cparici-99.jpg)](https://cparici.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cparici-99.jpg) ## **Vendée Globe 2024** ### A legendary race and its challenges Visit **Vendée Globe 2024-2025** is the tenth edition of this solo competition, **non-stop and non-assisted**aboard 18m IMOCA boats, starting from Les Sables-d'Olonne on November 10-11, 2024. The skippers cover around 45,000 km around the 3 famous capes: Good Hope, Leeuwin and Cape Horn, before returning to their starting point.. With 40 entries, including rookies, six women and two disabled competitors, it's the biggest line-up in history.. ### Vendée Globe 2024 - Record and performance Le Français **Charlie Dalin**on the boat **MACIF Santé Prévoyance**won this edition in 64 d 19 h 22 min 49 s, shattering the record by almost 9 days.. He led the ranking for 42 days, particularly in the South Atlantic, thanks to his latest-generation IMOCA foilers.. Only 22 h 47 min behind, **Yoann Richomme** finishes second, and **Sébastien Simon** takes third place. ### Technological performance The third-generation foilers dominated, thanks to faster, more reliable trajectories and weather records such as the distance covered in 24 hours. . IMOCA boats also use hydrogenerators for onboard power, which are smaller and more reliable than wind turbines.. ### Vendée Globe 2024 - A concrete commitment to science 25 skippers embarked instruments to support oceanographic research and weather forecasting, in partnership with WMO and UNESCO. The event focuses on **ocean preservation**making this race a formidable vector of**ecology** and awareness . ### Vendée Globe course and major incidents Among the early dropouts, **Maxime Sorel** went out on November 15, due to damage and injury, supplying Madeira.. Several boats suffered technical breakdowns in the Indian Ocean and South Seas. In spite of this, the majority of foilers demonstrated **increased reliability** compared with previous editions ### Vendée Globe 2024 - Singular stories and destinies The young **Violette Dorange**23 years old, nicknamed the "Little Thumb", has attracted attention with her loaned Imoca and innovative financing, inspiring many young people. [Le Monde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/sport/article/2024/11/10/vendee-globe-2024-pas-un-sou-en-poche-mais-jamais-a-court-d-idees-violette-dorange-la-petite-poucette-de-la-10e-edition_6386756_3242.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com). **Clarisse Crémer** also made his mark after repairing his boat in the Azores and overcoming personal difficulties to take the start.. ### **Dates of the next edition of the Vendée Globe** La prochaine édition du Vendée Globe est prévue pour novembre 2028. Les skippers s’élanceront une nouvelle fois des Sables-d’Olonne pour un tour du monde en solitaire. ## **Vendée Globe Ranking 2024-2025** [![Vendée Globe Ranking](https://cparici.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Vendee-Globe-Classement.jpg)](https://cparici.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Vendee-Globe-Classement.jpg)Vendée Globe Ranking Visit **Vendée Globe 2024-2025** a été marqué par des performances exceptionnelles, avec notamment un nouveau record établi par le vainqueur. Voici le classement des premiers skippers ayant franchi la ligne d’arrivée : - **Charlie Dalin** (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) - **Arrival date** January 14, 2025 at 07:24 UTC - **Running time** 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds - **Distance covered** 27,668 nautical miles - **Average speed** : 17.79 knots - **Note** New event record - **Yoann Richomme** (PAPREC ARKÉA) - **Arrival date** January 15, 2025 at 06:12 UTC - **Running time** 65 days, 18 hours, 10 minutes and 2 seconds - **Distance covered** 28,326 nautical miles - **Average speed** : 17.95 knots - **Gap to the leader** 22 hours, 47 minutes and 13 seconds - **Sébastien Simon** (Dubreuil Group) - **Arrival date** January 17, 2025 at 00:27 UTC - **Running time** 67 days, 12 hours, 25 minutes and 37 seconds - **Distance covered** 27,807 nautical miles - **Average speed** : 17.16 knots - **Gap to the leader** 2 days, 17 hours, 2 minutes and 48 seconds - **Jérémie Beyou** (Charal) - **Arrival date** January 24, 2025 at 00:58 UTC - **Running time** 74 days, 12 hours, 56 minutes and 54 seconds - **Distance covered** 29,049 nautical miles - **Average speed** : 16.24 knots - **Gap to the leader** 10 days, 3 hours, 15 minutes and 26 seconds - **Paul Meilhat** (Biotherm) - **Arrival date** January 24, 2025 at 10:40 UTC - **Running time** 74 days, 22 hours, 38 minutes and 15 seconds - **Distance covered** 28,051 nautical miles - **Average speed** : 15.61 knots - **Gap to the leader** 10 days, 12 hours, 26 minutes and 52 seconds ### Vendée Globe Ranking - rules and calculations Here's a clear, structured overview of **RANKING RULES** and **calculation methods** of the **Vendée Globe**still based on the **real time**with specific elements relating to safety and qualifications. #### Ranking based on real time Ranking is based exclusively on **on total time spent at sea**from start to finish, without any odds or points system. It is therefore a **pure chronometry**. A ranking is published until **6 times a day**to keep skippers and crews informed in near real time. #### Publication and jury adjustments These daily rankings are then validated by the **Race Direction (DC)**. It implements all **jury**including time penalties for non-compliance with rules (ice zoning, DST, etc.), which can modify positions. #### Exclusive zones and penalties - **Antarctic Exclusion Zones (AEZ)** Iceberg avoidance: imposed to avoid icebergs. The 72 geo-graphical points can be updated during the race.. - **Other restricted areas** DST (maritime traffic), pirate risk zones. Failure to comply may result in **penalties** or **added times**. #### External assistance and intervention The founding rule is **no assistance, no stopovers**except in two cases: - **Rescue** of another competitor in distress, - **Back to start again** within 10 days of departure. Apart from these exceptions, no outside help is allowed - on pain of disqualification.. #### Safety and continuous monitoring The Race Direction operates a **24/7 monitoring** of the fleet. It can impose **exceptional guidelines** (weather, geopolitics...) to ensure safety, and to decide to **redirection (routing)** of a skipper in distress. #### Prizes and prizes After validation of the final ranking, a prize of **800 000 €** is distributed among the first - decreasing to the 8ᵉ place. Example: - 1st: €200,000 - 2ᵉ : 140 000 € - ... - 8ᵉ : 30 000 €. #### Qualification for the next edition Although this does not affect the ranking *during* the Vendée Globe, this 2024-25 edition counts towards a qualification system for 2028. - A system **4 years** Participation and results in the IMOCA Globe Series earn points according to race level (grades 1 to 4).. - The three worst results can be **excluded** of the total, and **3 wild cards** are awarded at the organizer's discretion. #### Vendée Globe Ranking - Summary of key elements ElementDescription**Ranking basis**Real time at sea until arrival**Updates**Up to 6 times a day**Adjustments**By jury for official penalties**Restricted areas**ZEA, DST, pirate zones**Assistance**Exceptional (rescue or return)**Monitoring & safety**24/7, DC directives**Endowment**800,000 spread over the first 8**Future qualification**Results count towards 2028 (4-year cycle) ### What does all this mean? - Visit **skippers compete solo**with the precision of **official stopwatch** as the only metric. - Visit **safety at sea** premium, with constant monitoring and strict rules on high-risk areas. - The ranking can be modified afterwards to comply with the rules, but remains transparent. - The Vendée Globe is also a **determining factor** for future qualification cycles: performance counts well beyond the finish line. [![Vendée globe direct](https://cparici.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/vendee-globe-direct.jpg)](https://cparici.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/vendee-globe-direct.jpg)Vendée globe official website ## Vendée Globe Direct ### The "Vendée Globe direct" window: follow the race in real time With the **Vendée Globe direct**enthusiasts have access to a **permanent monitoring** positions, speeds and trajectories of IMOCA boats at sea. The official system, developed by **Geovoile**retransmits data every **four hours**Thanks to the Inmarsat connections on board each boat. These regular updates enable us to keep track of the fleet and guarantee the reliability of our services. **skipper safety** . ### How to interpret live data The tracker displays several key pieces of information: - Updated GPS position, latitude/longitude & speed - Integrated weather conditions, wind and pressure, collated with trajectories - Distance between boats In this way, we analyze not only who is in the lead, but also **why** in terms of weather strategy. ### Multi-platform access Access to the **Vendée Globe direct** is available via : - Visit **official website**with a map of the race and live news feeds - L'**official mobile application** (iOS and Android), featuring live tracking, statistics and exclusive content - From **daily live videos** ("Vendée Live") at around 12:30 pm, on YouTube and networks, with interviews and briefing ### What the live feed reveals at sea Thanks to the live view, you can see : - Visit **leaderboards** and gaps between boats, particularly in key areas such as trade winds and southern seas - Visit **tactical evolutions** rerouting through the doldrums, bypassing weather systems - Actual incidents: damage, delays, reported icebergs (Antarctic exclusion zone adjusted live) ### Live tracking highlights - **Total transparency** - each fan can build his own analysis - **Enhanced safety** - race management constantly scans the boats - **Real-time interaction** - communities comment on strategies - **Immersion guaranteed**thanks to live videos and hyper-precise data ### Community testimonials Platforms such as *Le Monde*, *Yacht.de* or Facebook groups regularly report public reactions: > "The tracker is often more talked about than the race itself: every trajectory shift triggers a flood of comments". ### Why choose direct? - **For pure fans** View the duel between foiler sailboats - **For weather strategists** Analyze the workings of the weather - **For the curious** see technology live in real time (hydrogenerators, foils, routing) ### Vendée Globe direct review The "Vendée Globe direct" system transforms an ultra-demanding race into a **accessible show**a blend of technology, strategy and emotion. Whether you're an amateur or an expert, this real-time window offers you a glimpse **precise and lively** on skippers' trajectories and decisions. ## **Previous Vendée Globe winners** Here is the list of winners from previous editions: - **1989-1990** Titouan Lamazou in 109 days 8 hours 47 minutes. - **1992-1993** Alain Gautier in 110 days 2 hours 22 minutes - **1996-1997** Christophe Auguin in 105 days 20 hours 31 minutes. - **2000-2001** Michel Desjoyeaux in 93 days 3 hours 57 minutes. - **2004-2005** Vincent Riou in 87 days 10 hours 47 minutes. - **2008-2009** Michel Desjoyeaux in 84 days 3 hours 9 minutes - **2012-2013** François Gabart in 78 days 2 hours 16 minutes. - **2016-2017** Armel Le Cléac'h in 74 days 3 hours 35 minutes. - **2020-2021** Yannick Bestaven in 80 days 3 hours 44 minutes. - **2024-2025** Charlie Dalin in 64 days 19 hours 22 minutes. ### **Practical information** To witness the start or finish of the Vendée Globe, it's advisable to visit Les Sables-d'Olonne a few days in advance. The town offers a variety of race-related events, and the Vendée Globe village offers total immersion in the world of sailing. ## **Vendée Globe boats: IMOCA with or without Foil** The **Vendée Globe** racing aboard monohulls **18.28 metres** long belonging to the **IMOCA (International Monohull Open Class Association)**. These boats are designed to tackle extreme ocean conditions and push back the limits of ocean racing performance. There are two main categories of IMOCA boats: the **IMOCA hydrofoils** and **Classic daggerboard IMOCA**. ### **IMOCA Foil boats: state-of-the-art technology** Since 2016, the integration of **foils** on IMOCA boats has revolutionized the Vendée Globe. These curved lateral appendages, resembling large wings, enable the boat to **"flying over water** by reducing resistance and increasing speed. #### **Characteristics of IMOCA boats with foils :** - **Significant speed gains** foils reduce the surface area in contact with the water and increase lift, which can enable skippers to reach speeds exceeding **35 knots** under optimum conditions. - **Greater stability at high speeds** foils: by lifting the hull out of the water, foils reduce wave impact and improve skipper comfort. - **Difficulty of maneuvering** At very high speeds, hydrofoil IMOCAs become more unstable and require constant vigilance. - **Sensitivity to damage** The foils are exposed to impacts from floating objects (UFOs), which can cause serious damage in the middle of a race. - **High cost** IMOCA foils are more expensive to design and maintain than their conventional counterparts. #### **Examples of recent IMOCA boats with foils:** - **Apivia** (Charlie Dalin) - **LinkedOut** (Thomas Ruyant) - **Charal** (Jérémie Beyou) - **Hugo Boss** (Alex Thomson) ### **IMOCA no-foil boats: Reliability and robustness** IMOCA boats without foils, also known as **monohulls with straight daggerboards**are the models used before the introduction of foils in 2016. Some skippers prefer these boats for their **reliability** and their **strength** in the face of oceanic constraints. #### **Characteristics of IMOCA boats without foils :** - **Proven robustness** These boats are often stronger and more suited to long single-handed races. - **Less maintenance on the run** With no foils, the risk of breakage is reduced, limiting repairs in the open sea. - **Lower pure speed performance** Although very fast, these IMOCA boats are no match for the new generation of hydrofoils in optimal conditions. - **Better behavior in formed seas** IMOCA boats without foils are better able to handle big waves without the risk of uncontrolled gliding. #### **Examples of recent IMOCA boats without foils:** - **Yes We Cam!** (Jean Le Cam) - **La Mie Câline - Artisans Artipôle** (Arnaud Boissières) - **Apicil Group** (Damien Seguin) ### **Foil or No Foil: What's the Difference in Racing?** The evolution of the race has shown that IMOCA foils now dominate in terms of **pure speed**. However, in certain conditions, classic monohulls remain competitive. **In strong winds and heavy seas** IMOCA boats without foils can benefit from their stability and robustness. **In reaching gaits and carrying** (wind coming from astern or from the sides): IMOCA foils are **much faster**reaching impressive speeds. **On the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe**the winner **Yannick Bestaven** proved that an older-generation IMOCA can still compete with hydrofoil boats thanks to better strategic management and increased reliability. **Today, all new IMOCA boats are designed with foils.**The speed advantage has become a decisive factor in major ocean races. ### **Conclusion: Towards a Generation 100% Foil?** The introduction of **foils** marked a **technological revolution** in the Vendée Globe, making the race faster and more spectacular. **However, reliability remains a key issue**Some skippers still prefer boats with classic daggerboards for their robustness. Future Vendée Globe races should see the emergence of new IMOCA boats **even more efficient and optimized**with more resistant foils and ever more innovative designs for **pushing the limits of solo sailing**. ## **Jean Le Cam and the Vendée Globe: A Legend in Ocean Racing** Jean Le Cam, affectionately nicknamed **"King John**is one of the most emblematic sailors of the **Vendée Globe**. A seasoned skipper, he is known for his tenacity, humor and vast experience in solo sailing. Since his first participation in 2004, he has left his mark on the history of this legendary race through his performances and exploits. ### **Jean Le Cam's Vendée Globe career** #### **2004-2005: A Promising First Podium** For its **first participation**Jean Le Cam finishes one **outstanding second place**just behind **Vincent Riou**. On board **Bonduelle**He has already demonstrated his talent and ability to compete with the world's best skippers. #### **2008-2009: An Epic Shipwreck** In the following edition, he took part with a new-generation IMOCA, **VM Matériaux**. But while sailing close to the **Cape Horn**his boat capsized following keel damage. **He spends 16 hours trapped in his upturned monohull**until its spectacular rescue by **Vincent Riou**who hijacks his boat to rescue him. This landmark event made him a hero of the Vendée Globe, illustrating the unique spirit of solidarity between skippers. Unfortunately, his rescue led to Riou's retirement, as he damaged his boat in the process. #### **2012-2013: A Difficult Return** After his shipwreck, Jean Le Cam returns in 2012 with **SynerCiel**an older boat. He ran a cautious race and managed to finish in third place. **fifth position**proving once again its mastery of the oceans. #### **2016-2017 : The Paying Experience** On board a previous-generation boat, **Finistère Mer Vent**Jean Le Cam's experience and experience **intelligent race management**. Despite an IMOCA without foils, he finished **sixth**beating several skippers equipped with newer, faster boats. #### **2020-2021 : An Epic Rescue and Top 4** Publishing **2020-2021** is one of the highlights of Jean Le Cam's career. He is taking part with a 2008 IMOCA, **Yes We Cam!**a much older boat than the favourites. #### **The Rescue by Kevin Escoffier** The most memorable moment of this edition occurred when **Kevin Escoffier**on board **PRB**triggers its distress beacon after a **sinking in the South Atlantic**. Jean Le Cam is **the first skipper to receive the alert**and despite the extreme conditions, he succeeded in **fishing Escoffier out of the night**once again demonstrating the legendary solidarity of the Vendée Globe. This heroic rescue was hailed by the sailing community and the public, and Jean Le Cam became an icon of courage and selflessness at sea. #### **An Exceptional Classification** Despite an older boat and this detour to save Escoffier, Jean Le Cam **finishes fourth** after the time compensation granted to him for his rescue action. He thus proves that with **intelligent navigation, great experience and a mind of steel**He's still capable of competing with the best skippers, even at 61. ### **Jean Le Cam, A Skipper Apart** Jean Le Cam embodies **the spirit of the Vendée Globe** A passionate sailor, committed to the values of solidarity and humility. Unlike other skippers who rely on cutting-edge technology and ultra-modern boats, **he prioritizes knowledge of his IMOCA and endurance in the face of the elements**. His humor, simplicity and outspokenness make him one of the sailors most appreciated by the public and his peers. His on-the-water debriefings, often punctuated by **reflections full of derision and good humor**have become a cult among sailing fans. For further adventures in the Vendée, [discover Puy du Fou!](https://cparici.com/en/puy-du-fou/) ## **Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ Vendée Globe** ### **How can I follow the Vendée Globe?** To make sure you don't miss out on this exceptional adventure, there are several options available: - **Television** : France Télévisions et d’autres chaînes diffusent en direct des moments clés de la course, notamment les départs et arrivées. - **Social networking** The official Vendée Globe pages on YouTube and Facebook offer live broadcasts, analyses and summaries. - **Official website** The Vendée Globe website offers interactive cartography to track the skippers' positions in real time, up-to-date rankings and multimedia content associated with each stage of the race. ### **How do I register to visit the Vendée Globe village?** Le village du Vendée Globe est un lieu incontournable pour plonger dans l’ambiance de la course. Pour accéder au village, une réservation en ligne gratuite est obligatoire. Voici comment procéder : - **Access the online ticketing service** Visit the official Vendée Globe website to book your visit. - **Choose your time slot** : Sélectionnez la date et l’heure de votre visite en fonction des disponibilités. - **Confirm your reservation** Once you've chosen your time slot, complete your registration to receive your electronic ticket. Notez que les stands du village sont ouverts de 10h à 20h, tandis que le bar et le restaurant restent accessibles jusqu’à 1h du matin (2h du vendredi au dimanche). Après 20h, l’accès au bar et au restaurant est libre, sans besoin de réservation. For the best possible experience, we recommend that you consult the traffic forecasts and choose less crowded slots. ### **What is the Vendée Globe?** The Vendée Globe is a single-handed, non-stop, non-assisted sailing race around the world, taking in the three major capes. ### **When is the next edition?** The next edition is scheduled for November 2028. ### **What types of boats are used?** Skippers sail 18-meter monohulls in the IMOCA class, often equipped with foils to enhance performance. ### **How long does the race last?** The duration varies according to conditions and skipper performance. The current record is 64 days, set by Charlie Dalin in 2025. ### **Where are the start and finish points?** Start and finish in Les Sables-d'Olonne, Vendée, France. ### **How many skippers are taking part?** The number of participants varies with each edition. In 2024-2025, 40 skippers took the start. ### **What is the distance covered?** Skippers cover around 45,000 kilometers during the Vendée Globe. [![Vendée Globe](https://cparici.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cparici-2025-03-03T185325.253-577x204.jpg)France ### Vendée Globe - the single-handed sailing race Popular searches Categories No results See all results The Vendée Globe, the race...](https://cparici.com/en/vendee-globe/) [![La Roche Sur Yon](https://cparici.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cparici-100-577x204.jpg)France ### La Roche sur Yon Popular searches Categories No results See all results La Roche-sur-Yon: a city...](https://cparici.com/en/la-roche-sur-yon/) [![Pouzauges](https://cparici.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pouzauges-577x193.jpg)France ### Pouzauges: what to do in this medieval town in the Vendée? 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