Vendée Globe

Visit Vendée Globe

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 puts the most seasoned sailors to the test.

Event principles

Created in 1989 by Philippe Jeantot, the race takes place every four years. Skippers depart from Sables-d'Olonne at VendéeThey cover some 45,000 kilometers around the globe, rounding the three legendary capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin and finally Cape Horn) before returning to Les Sables d'Olonne. This extreme adventure is often dubbed the "Everest of the Seas" because of its difficulty.​

The stages of the race

The Vendée Globe route is divided into several key phases:

  1. Departure from Les Sables-d'Olonne : Skippers set off in November, often facing storms in the Bay of Biscay.​

  2. Descent of the Atlantic : They cross the trade winds and the doldrums, a zone of unpredictable calms near the equator.​

  3. Passing the three capes :

    • Cape of Good Hope : Entering the Indian Ocean.​
    • Cape Leeuwin : Approaching the South Pacific Ocean.​
    • Cape Horn : Back to the North Atlantic.​

  4. Up the Atlantic : The final stretch to Les Sables-d'Olonne, often marked by difficult weather conditions.​

Boats: IMOCA class

Competitors sail on 18-meter monohulls called IMOCAs. These boats are designed for performance and resistance to extreme ocean conditions. The latest generations are equipped with foils, lateral appendages that allow them to "fly" above the water, increasing speed and reducing drag.​Visit

Dates for the next edition

The next edition of the Vendée Globe is scheduled for November 2028. The skippers will once again set off from Les Sables-d'Olonne for a solo round-the-world race.​

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 attend the start or finish of the Vendée Globe, it's advisable to travel to Les Sables-d'Olonne a few days in advance. The town offers a variety of events linked to the race, 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.

Vendée Globe 2024-2025 rankings

Visit Vendée Globe 2024-2025 was marked by exceptional performances, including a new record set by the winner. Here is the ranking of the first skippers to cross the finish line.

  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

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 and other channels broadcast key moments of the race live, including starts and finishes. ​

  • Social networking : The official Vendée Globe pages on YouTube and Facebook offer live broadcasts, analysis and summaries. ​

  • Official website : The Vendée Globe website features 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?

The Vendée Globe village is the place to be to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the race. To enter the village, a free online reservation is required. Here's how it works.

  1. Access the online ticketing service : Visit the official Vendée Globe website to book your visit. ​

  2. Choose your time slot : Select the date and time of your visit according to availability.​

  3. Confirm your reservation : Once you've chosen your time slot, complete your registration to receive your electronic ticket.​

Please note that the village stands are open from 10am to 8pm, while the bar and restaurant are open until 1am (2am from Friday to Sunday). After 8pm, access to the bar and restaurant is free, no reservation required. ​

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.​

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