Vendee Globe 2024

The Vendee Globe 2024, marking its 10th anniversary, is set to begin on November 10 from Les Sables d’Olonne, France. This highly anticipated solo, non-stop, and unassisted around-the-world race will see a record 40 sailors navigate a gruelling 24,000-mile course that rounds the three major capes: Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn. Known for its intense physical and mental demands, the Vendée Globe pushes competitors to their limits, often highlighting not only the sailors’ endurance but also the challenges of modern ocean racing, including high-stakes technology and sustainability concerns.

This year’s lineup is diverse, with competitors from 11 countries and six female sailors among the ranks. Notable entries include France’s Yannick Bestaven, the 2020-21 champion, and Louis Burton, who secured a third-place finish last time and aims to reach the podium once more. Also returning is Japanese sailor Kojiro Shiraishi, who made history in 2020 as the first Asian competitor to complete the Vendee Globe. Britain’s Pip Hare, is one of the six female skippers in this year’s race. Hare, a veteran of the previous Vendée Globe, returns with her yacht Medallia, aiming to improve on her impressive finish in 2021. Known for her grit and resilience, she embodies the spirit of the Vendee Globe, which is widely recognized as one of the most challenging events in sport. With several skippers tackling this route for the first time, the 2024 race is rich with new talent and experienced veterans alike, promising exciting rivalries and unexpected outcomes.

The race continues to draw global attention for its athletic challenges and its role in highlighting environmental issues. As sailors traverse some of the world’s most remote oceans, they encounter firsthand the impacts of climate change, especially near Antarctica. Many skippers have chosen to champion environmental causes, with 30 teams actively supporting sustainability initiatives. The race organizers have also implemented eco-friendly measures, reinforcing the Vendee Globe’s commitment to ocean conservation.

Fans can follow the event with dedicated race coverage from the bustling village at Les Sables d’Olonne in France, where festivities and exhibitions will celebrate the race’s history and achievements. The race’s significant following in France and globally attests to its unique blend of sporting intensity, adventure, and its emotional connection with audiences, many of whom flock to the French coast to watch the skippers set sail and, later, return triumphantly.  Fans unable to travel to Les Sables d’Olonne can find information and face trackers on the Vendee Globe site.  There is also an app to download to your smartphone so you can check on the progress wherever you are.

This year’s Vendee Globe 2024 promises a thrilling combination of skill, endurance, and inspiration as competitors brave the elements and push their boundaries in one of sailing’s most celebrated challenges.

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