A reciprocal attachment between the Vendée Globe and Jean Le Cam was born as early as his first participation in 2004-2005. The sailor already had a comfortable track record. But he became well-known to the general public through his talents of nagivation, and also because he spoke easily and explained off-shore racing with everyday words and off-beat humour. No wonder the public has always loved the way he recounts his round-the-worlds, his complete sincerity, his desire to share emotions and the child’s view he adopts to spread his passion.

However, the Vendée Globe hasn’t always been gentle with him. In 2004-2005, he fell short of victory when he could actually have won it after rounding Cape Horn with 250 miles on Vincent Riou, his best opponent. In 2008, the race stopped for him off the same Cape Horn after he capsized following the loss of his keel. As if their destinies were connected, it is again Vincent Riou who came to save him. In 2016, he managed to collect the necessary budget at the last minute to take the start once again.

Nevertheless, the sailor has strong assets : always on track, he is considered one of the navigators who knows best how to take care of his boat. Over these editions, he has discovered a passion for video and his clips are full of creative humour and uncompromising words. A Vendée Globe without Jean Le Cam would definitely lose its flavour…