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 at Vendée, 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:

1. Departure from Les Sables-d'Olonne : Les skippers s’élancent en novembre, affrontant souvent les tempêtes du golfe de Gascogne.

2. Descent of the Atlantic : Ils traversent les alizés et le pot au noir, zone de calmes imprévisibles près de l’équateur.

3. 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.

4. 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

A legendary race and its challenges

Visit Vendée Globe 2024-2025 is the tenth edition of this solo competition, non-stop and non-assistedaboard 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 Dalinon the boat MACIF Santé Prévoyancewon 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 preservationmaking this race a formidable vector ofecology 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 Dorange23 years old, nicknamed the "Little Thumb", has attracted attention with her loaned Imoca and innovative financing, inspiring many young people. Le Monde.fr. 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

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 :

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 Globestill based on the real timewith specific elements relating to safety and qualifications.

Ranking based on real time

Ranking is based exclusively on on total time spent at seafrom start to finish, without any odds or points system. It is therefore a pure chronometry. A ranking is published until 6 times a dayto 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 juryincluding 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 stopoversexcept in two cases:

1. Rescue of another competitor in distress,

2. 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

What does all this mean?

• Visit skippers compete solowith 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

The "Vendée Globe direct" window: follow the race in real time

With the Vendée Globe directenthusiasts have access to a permanent monitoring positions, speeds and trajectories of IMOCA boats at sea. The official system, developed by Geovoileretransmits data every four hoursThanks 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 websitewith 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

1. Total transparency - each fan can build his own analysis

2. Enhanced safety - race management constantly scans the boats

3. Real-time interaction - communities comment on strategies

4. Immersion guaranteedthanks 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 showa 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 en 105 jours 20 heures 31 minutes.
• 2000-2001 : Michel Desjoyeaux en 93 jours 3 heures 57 minutes.
• 2004-2005 : Vincent Riou en 87 jours 10 heures 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 en 64 jours 19 heures 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 daggerboardsare 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 fasterreaching impressive speeds.

On the 2020-2021 Vendée Globethe 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 issueSome 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 optimizedwith 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 Johnis 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 participationJean Le Cam finishes one outstanding second placejust behind Vincent Riou. On board BonduelleHe 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 Hornhis boat capsized following keel damage. He spends 16 hours trapped in his upturned monohulluntil its spectacular rescue by Vincent Riouwho 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 SynerCielan older boat. He ran a cautious race and managed to finish in third place. fifth positionproving once again its mastery of the oceans.

2016-2017 : The Paying Experience

On board a previous-generation boat, Finistère Mer VentJean Le Cam's experience and experience intelligent race management. Despite an IMOCA without foils, he finished sixthbeating 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 Escoffieron board PRBtriggers its distress beacon after a sinking in the South Atlantic. Jean Le Cam is the first skipper to receive the alertand despite the extreme conditions, he succeeded in fishing Escoffier out of the nightonce 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 steelHe'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 humorhave become a cult among sailing fans.

For further adventures in the Vendée, discover 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 : Les pages officielles du Vendée Globe sur YouTube et Facebook proposent des diffusions en direct, des analyses et des récapitulatifs.

• 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 :

1. Access the online ticketing service : Rendez-vous sur le site officiel du Vendée Globe pour réserver votre créneau de visite.

2. Choose your time slot : Sélectionnez la date et l’heure de votre visite en fonction des disponibilités.

3. Confirm your reservation : Une fois votre créneau choisi, finalisez votre inscription pour recevoir votre billet électronique.

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.