SOLITARY, NONSTOP AND UNASSISTED
The Vendée Globe, one of the most challenging nautical competitions in the world, is back this year with a promising and spectacular edition. Alone, facing the oceans and the elements, the skippers defy the most tumultuous waters during this mythical race around the globe, without stops or assistance. Between technical feats, surpassing oneself and passion for the sea, the Vendée Globe 2024 promises to be an extraordinary adventure.
THE HISTORY OF THE VENDÉE GLOBE
The Vendée Globe is the heir to the Golden Globe Challenge, which was the first solo and non-stop round-the-world race organized in 1968 by “The Sunday Times”.
Of the nine pioneers who set out in 1968, only one managed to return to Falmouth, the major port of English Cornwall. On April 6, 1969, after 313 days at sea, the Briton Robin Knox-Johnston finally reached the goal. Twenty years later, it was the navigator Philippe Jeantot who, after his double victory in the BOC Challenge (Around the World Alone with Stops), launched the idea of a new race around the world, alone, but... nonstop! The Vendée Globe was born. On November 26, 1989, thirteen sailors started the first edition, which lasted more than three months. Only seven of them will return to Les Sables d'Olonne.
This race is based on 3 pillars: solo, nonstop and without assistance. “A man, a woman, the world tour, one boat”. Simple as a concept, no? The Vendée Globe is a solo race that is unique in the world, where the skipper is the only one on board to face the world tour, without assistance or crew. The only exception to this strict rule is the rescue of another competitor in distress. This was particularly the case during the previous edition, where Jean Le Cam helped Kévin Escoffier.
Non-stop... The only technical stopover that is really possible for a competitor in the Vendée Globe is to return to Les Sables d'Olonne, within a maximum of 10 days after departure. In 2008, Michel Desjoyeaux had also returned to the Vendée pontoons and left 40 hours late. That didn't stop him from winning the race!
Without assistance... During the Vendée Globe, the sailor is alone on board. The only authorized assistance comes in the event of a return to Les Sables d'Olonne after the start, a choice with serious consequences for the competitor. Apart from this exception, the skippers must face the world tour using only their own resources.
THE 2024 EDITION
The start of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe will be given on Sunday 10 November at 13:02 off the coast of Les Sables-d'Olonne. This 10th edition of the Vendée Globe promises to be one of the most significant in the history of this legendary race. No less than 40 skippers, including 34 men and 6 women representing 14 nationalities, will start this solo world tour. Among them, Arnaud Boissières, 52 years old and from Les Sables-d'Olonne, has a unique track record: he is the only one to have completed four consecutive editions. To brighten up the end-of-year celebrations at sea, he plans to bring good bottles of wine and foie gras on board. “There will be Saint-Emilion, including a Château la Verrière for New Year's Eve,” he confides with a smile.
This 2024 edition is marked by innovation and the desire for environmental commitment. In addition to the causes defended by the skippers, the Vendée Globe organization is also actively involved in a sustainable and responsible approach. This action plan, designed over the long term, is based on ten commitments divided into four main areas: Anticipate, Reduce — whether it is the environmental impact of the village, visitors or boats —, Inspire and Build a positive legacy. As a major media event, the Vendée Globe must be exemplary and is committed to reducing its emissions through 10 environmental commitments.
TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD
In 2016, Conrad Colman made the history of the Vendée Globe by becoming the first skipper to complete his world tour without using fossil energy.
For this edition, Fabrice Amedeo is following suit, and in 2028, all participants will have to respect this ecological transition. On Tuesday, February 6, the Vendée Globe organization formalized the ban on the use of diesel engines for the production of electricity on board sailing boats as of the 2028 edition. This decision engages the entire IMOCA class to abandon fossil fuels, thus accelerating the ecological transition in this legendary race.
The regulations will include a “Carbon Cap”, a threshold intended to limit CO₂ emissions in the construction of new IMOCAs. The race towards a more environmentally friendly Vendée Globe is therefore well under way!
It is essential to go even further in ecological commitment. At the start of the Vendée Globe, a fleet of boats accompanies the sailboats, the number of which varies according to the editions and the weather conditions. For example, during the 2020 edition, around thirty boats were present to supervise the departure. For the 2024 edition, although the exact figure is not yet known, it is likely that the fleet will be similar, or even more numerous, in order to ensure the safety of the 40 participating skippers.
At Weenav, we have the solution to equip this support fleet with electric motors, allowing navigation that respects the environment and is part of a decarbonization process. We firmly believe that it is time to switch to a clean mode of navigation to accompany these sailboats that move thanks to the elements. Ready to take on this challenge, we are determined to contribute to a sustainable future while maintaining the beauty of our oceans.
