Presentation

The route

Around the world via the three capes

The course for the Vendée Globe illustrates the straightforward nature and simplicity of the idea behind this major event. You sail around the world from west to east via the three major capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin and the Horn. There is a long slide down the Atlantic, the perilous voyage across the Southern Ocean with firstly the Indian Ocean and its crossed seas, then the Pacific Ocean, the world’s biggest ocean. Finally, there is the climb back up the Atlantic to head back to Les Sables d’Olonne, which marks the start and finish of the Everest of the seas. We take a look at each section of the round the world race course...

Historic

2008-2009 : A record-breaking Vendée Globe

The sixth « Vendée » saw the pinnacle of human achievement, bringing together dreams, emotions, courage, self-sacrifice and determination in an event, which took on epic proportions. This 2008-2009 race will be remembered for the spectacular rescue of Jean Le Cam at Cape Horn and of Yann Eliès right in the middle of the Indian Ocean. If we are looking for amazing feats, we need look no further than Michel Desjoyeaux, who at the end of a breathtaking race and indeed after returning to the start to begin again, went on to win his second Vendée Globe, and in so doing smashed the race record by completing the race in 84 days.

Some datas about the Vendée Globe

Discover a 60' open

The IMOCA class

Founded in 1991 and recognised by ISAF (International Sailing Federation) since 1998, IMOCA is the class association, which takes care of 60-foot Open monohulls (18.28 metres). With more than twenty skippers signed up, its championship includes two round the world races, a round Europe race and several ocean races. The IMOCA class aims to make ocean racing more international and it brings together ideas about competitions, innovation, human adventure and safety.

Glossary