The Vendée Globe, the prestigious non-stop solo race around the world was in London on Thursday to show how much it would like to see British skippers in the 2012-2013 race, which is due to start from Les Sables d’Olonne on Saturday 10th November 2012. “Britain, which will host the Olympics next summer, has a huge influence in Olympic sailing, but it should also aim to be up there on the podium of the Vendée Globe,” declared Denis Horeau, the Race Director, when he presented the non-stop solo round the world race to the British media.

The British sailors, Mike Golding (Gamesa) and Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) have already announced they will be taking part, but several other British competitors would also like to be there at the start of the 7th Vendée Globe, such as Dee Caffari, Samantha Davies, Steve White, Brian Thompson, Oscar Mead and the Scottish sailor, John Mackay, as they also wish to be part of the British contingent. These skippers would all like to take part in the the most demanding solo ocean-racing event, as it guarantees an important return on investment.

A good return for the sponsors
Considered to be the most demanding race in the world of sailing, the Vendée Globe is also one of the most profitable events for sponsors, with a high return on investment. This aspect was confirmed by several company bosses who were present and have been involved in the Vendée Globe, like Peter Pantlin (Gamesa) Mike Golding’s sponsor, and Stewart Hosford for Hugo Boss, Alex Thomson’s sponsor. According to figures from Guillaume Henry, General Director of the Vendée Globe, media coverage has grown considerably: +69% for TV coverage with 466 hours of reports, +58% for Internet with 59 million single visitors. Total media coverage corresponds to an advertising investment of 145 million euros.

For 2012-2013, the forecasts for media coverage are 30-50% higher for the sponsors as between 15 and 20 competitors are expected at the start in 2012, as opposed to 30 in the last race.