With the 2024 Vendée Globe Race well underway, excitement and challenges have been the order of the day for the skippers participating in this iconic solo sailing event. Skippers are making headlines, not just for their remarkable sailing skills but also for their unique experiences as they navigate the world’s oceans.
At just 23 years old, Violette Dorange is proving her mettle as she currently ranks 25th in the Vendée Globe. Having recently reached the Pacific Ocean, she is among the youngest competitors this year, showcasing both her youth and resilience as she takes on the grueling challenge of sailing around the world alone, without any stops or assistance.
Meanwhile, on December 23, Yannick Bestaven, sailing on the IMOCA Maître CoQ V, faced technical difficulties shortly after passing the Nemo Point, which left him struggling with equipment issues. While racing under 20 knots of wind, he informed his onshore technical team about the loss of his Code 0 sail due to a failure of its attachment system. “After two hours of maneuvering, I managed to recover my sail, torn and now unusable,” Bestaven reported, who is currently placed eighth. Despite this setback, he remains determined to reclaim lost places, planning repairs to his hook system when conditions allow.
On the other hand, Yoann Richomme has turned heads by leading the fleet and recently made history by rounding Cape Horn on December 23 at 23:27:20 UTC. He set the benchmark for this segment of the race, surpassing previous records with his impressive time of 43 days, 11 hours, 25 minutes, and 20 seconds from Les Sables d'Olonne to Cape Horn. Not only did he eclipse Armel Le Cléach's 2016 record by over three days, but he also claimed the fastest time for the Leeuwin to Horn stretch, with 13 days, 9 hours, 13 minutes, and 43 seconds. Richomme's performance has set the stage for what could be one of the most competitive legs of the race as he transitions from the vast Pacific back to the Atlantic.
For skippers like Arnaud Boissières, who is currently at 26th place south of Tasmania, this year’s race coincides with the holiday season, making it particularly poignant. Celebrations aboard his boat will include enhanced meals, such as veal blanquette prepared by his sister and festive decorations, as he prepares to spend his fifth Christmas at sea. Speaking to Ouest-France, he shared, “I have planned to open gifts via video call with my family, including my parents and my children. I won’t be alone; my neighbor Éric Bellion will be nearby.”
The solitary nature of the race, combined with the proximity of Christmas, is not lost on the competing sailors. Many, like Samantha Davies, who ranks thirteenth, are determined to maintain some holiday spirit amid the grueling conditions. “I've spent Christmas at sea before, and I try to keep some sense of normalcy, especially during the holidays,” she expressed. Davies has decorated her boat to create the right festive atmosphere, proving camaraderie and morale are just as important as the race itself. Even though they are away from their families, these sailors cherish their experiences out on the open seas.
Life at sea during the holidays can certainly feel isolative, yet several skippers have found ways to connect with their loved ones. Damien Seguin humorously noted, “I can't have a cozy fireplace, but I’ll enjoy my meal my way.” Meanwhile, Denis Van Weynbergh plans to open gifts from his children during his video call on Christmas Eve, as Belgians traditionally celebrate on the 24th, making the occasion even more special.
The skippers are well aware of the sacrifices they've made to be part of this monumental racing event. “It’s definitely tough being away from family during Christmas,” Van Weynbergh acknowledged. “But I feel privileged to have this opportunity to sail around the world, and I think of it as quite special.” Despite the emotional challenges, many sailors view the Vendée Globe as a unique life experience, with the excitement of the race serving as their holiday gift to themselves.
Yes, they may be miles away from their loved ones, but the thrill of competition, the camaraderie among skippers, and the beautiful yet challenging ocean all contribute to making this season one to cherish. The prospect of returning home as champions may well be worth the sacrifices made during this year’s Vendée Globe.
