Japanese sailing adventurer Kojiro Shiraishi, representing the DMG MORI Sailing Team, successfully completed the challenging Vendee Globe race, finishing 24th with a total time of 90 days, 21 hours, 34 minutes, and 41 seconds. Shiraishi crossed the finish line on February 9, 2025, marking his second completion of this prestigious solo around-the-world yacht race, having previously made history as the first Asian to finish the event during the last race.
The Vendee Globe, described as one of the toughest yacht races globally, began its latest edition on November 10, 2024, from Les Sables-d'Olonne, France. With 40 competitors battling through treacherous waters, Shiraishi’s latest feat continues to solidify his legacy within the sailing community.
Upon his return, Shiraishi reflected on the race, stating, "I feel very refreshed. The sky is cloudy, but my feelings are bright. The hardest part from Cape Horn to here was particularly difficult." His sentiment highlights the physical and mental challenges sailors encounter, particularly on grueling legs of the race like the notorious Cape Horn passage.
Four years ago, when Shiraishi made his first complete run, he was overcome with tears at the finish. This time, his expression was all smiles, showcasing his evolution as both a sailor and individual through this demanding race. "I really felt I had to confirm myself. I’m glad I participated," he shared, signaling his internal growth and dedication to his craft.
The Vendee Globe, held every four years, is not just about speed but also about endurance and resilience. This edition saw brothers and sisters of wind and sea join together; it also welcomed competitors from various nations, including China, demonstrating the race's international appeal and competition.
Shiraishi’s 2024 campaign saw various incidents and challenges as he navigated approximately 45,000 kilometers across open ocean waters. Remarkably, by February 10, 2025, seven sailors had retired from the race, circling back to the resilience needed to complete the course amid the elements.
Leading the charge was French sailor Charlie Dalin, who finished with a record time of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds, breaking previous marks and showing the competitors what extraordinary sailing looks like. Shiraishi’s own record of 90 days, though not the fastest, still honors his tenacity and dedication to the nautical arts.
He celebrated his success on social media, posting finish-line photos and sharing heartfelt gratitude toward his supporters. Fans showered him with congratulatory messages on platforms like Instagram, expressing how much they admire his perseverance and joyful spirit.
The Vendee Globe race is not merely about the competition; it's also about inspiring stories and connecting lives across oceans. Kojiro Shiraishi’s story resonates deeply within the sailing community and beyond, embodying what it means to chase one's dreams relentlessly.
With the harsh realities of solo navigation evident, Shiraishi’s achievement shines brightly, not only as a personal milestone but also as inspiration for aspiring sailors worldwide. His determination serves as encouragement for future generations, reminding them of the potential to conquer life's vast challenges, both at sea and on land.