The Vendée Globe, often dubbed the “Everest of the Seas,” is one of the most grueling and prestigious solo sailing races in the world. Since its inception in 1989, the race has not only challenged the physical and mental limits of sailors but also pushed the boundaries of what is technologically possible in ocean racing. This year’s edition, starting on November 10, 2024, from Les Sables d’Olonne on the French coast, promises to be historic for several reasons. With an unprecedented number of non-French participants, a heightened focus on inclusion and social causes, and significant advancements in sailing technology, the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 is set to redefine the legacy of this iconic event.
A Truly Global Fleet
For the first time in the race’s history, 16 skippers from 11 different countries will participate in this global event. This marks a significant increase from the 12 international sailors who competed in the 2020 edition. Among the competitors are representatives from Switzerland, Hungary, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Japan, the United States, Belgium, New Zealand, and, for the first time, China. This diverse lineup highlights the growing international appeal of the IMOCA class and the Vendée Globe, transforming it from a predominantly French race into a truly global spectacle.
The Swiss contingent is particularly noteworthy, with three sailors—Alan Roura, Oliver Heer, and Justine Mettraux—competing in this edition. Alan Roura, who has participated in the Vendée Globe twice before, finished 12th and 17th in the previous editions and is now preparing for his third attempt. Roura has made significant modifications to his boat, the former Hugo Boss, to stay competitive with the latest generation of IMOCA yachts. He speaks passionately about the Swiss fascination with ocean racing, despite the country’s landlocked geography, tracing its roots back to the days of the Whitbread Round-the-World Race in the late 1980s.
Italy will also be represented by Giancarlo Pedote, who finished eighth in the last edition. Pedote has been based in Lorient, France, since 2012, making him a familiar figure in the French sailing community. However, his Italian roots remain strong, and he continues to have a significant following in Italy. His boat has undergone major modifications, including new foils and a redesigned bow, to enhance performance in the Southern Ocean’s challenging conditions.
Breaking Barriers and Promoting Inclusion
The Vendée Globe has always been more than just a test of sailing skill; it is a platform for breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity. This year, the race will feature two inspirational sailors who embody the spirit of resilience and determination. Damien Seguin, who became the first disabled sailor to complete the Vendée Globe in 2020-2021, will be back for this edition, joined by Jingkun Xu, a young Chinese skipper with an arm amputation. Their participation highlights the race’s commitment to showcasing that physical limitations are no barrier to achieving extraordinary feats.
Moreover, many skippers are using their participation to support various charitable causes. Sam Davies, for example, is running the Initiatives-Cœur project, which aims to provide life-saving heart surgery for children from countries where such treatments are not available. Maxime Sorel has been actively raising awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis through his campaigns, both on land and at sea. These initiatives reflect the deeply personal motivations that drive many of these sailors, transforming their race into a mission for social good.
Technological Innovations and Preparations
The 2024-2025 edition will also see significant technological advancements in the IMOCA fleet. Several skippers have undertaken extensive modifications to their boats to improve performance, safety, and sustainability. Alan Roura, for instance, has updated his boat’s bow profile, ballast distribution, and keel to enhance its competitiveness. Similarly, Giancarlo Pedote’s Prysmian Group has received new foils and structural modifications to better navigate the harsh conditions of the Southern Ocean.
The technological innovations are not limited to performance enhancements alone. Sustainability has become a central focus, with many skippers advocating for environmental causes through their campaigns. Fabrice Amedeo, a journalist turned pro-sailor, is a major advocate for sustainability and the environment. His boat, now named Art & Fenêtres – Nexans, is part of a partnership that promotes sustainable electrification and energy transition. These efforts reflect a growing awareness within the sailing community of the need to protect the very oceans they navigate.
A Community of Competitors and Friends
Despite the intense competition, there is a strong sense of camaraderie among the skippers. The Swiss sailors, for example, share a unique bond. Alan Roura, Justine Mettraux, and Oliver Heer know each other well and have been competing against and alongside each other for years. Roura and Mettraux both participated in the 2013 Mini Transat, and when Roura bought the former Hugo Boss boat, Heer was the boat captain at the time. This blend of rivalry and friendship adds a compelling human dimension to the race.
Similarly, many of the non-French sailors have integrated into the French sailing community, making the race a melting pot of cultures and experiences. Giancarlo Pedote, who has lived in Lorient for over a decade, remarks that while he represents Italy, he no longer feels like a foreigner in the IMOCA class. His integration into the community highlights how the Vendée Globe transcends national boundaries, uniting sailors in their shared passion for the sea.
The Road to the Start Line
The final selection for the race will be confirmed after the New York Vendée – Les Sables d’Olonne qualifying event in May 2024. This race will determine the remaining spots among the 40 available, and the competition is expected to be fierce. The start of the Vendée Globe on November 10, 2024, will mark the culmination of years of preparation, sacrifice, and dedication for these skippers.
With the largest and most diverse lineup in its history, the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 is poised to be a groundbreaking edition that will captivate audiences around the world. The race not only represents the pinnacle of solo sailing but also serves as a testament to human resilience, innovation, and the unyielding spirit of adventure.
In conclusion, the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 is more than just a race; it is a celebration of human achievement, international cooperation, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. As the skippers prepare to embark on this epic journey, they carry with them not only their personal ambitions but also the hopes and dreams of those they inspire. This edition promises to be one of the most thrilling and meaningful in the history of the Vendée Globe, setting new standards for what is possible in the world of solo ocean racing.
2024 in FIREE!!