After 83 days, 22 hours, 48 minutes, and 18 seconds at sea, Romain Attanasio, the 47-year-old skipper from Hautes-Alpes, crossed the finish line of the 2024-2025 Vendée Globe, securing the 14th position in this grueling around-the-world race. The momentous finish took place on February 2, 2025, at precisely 11:50 AM off the coast of Les Sables-d'Olonne.
Attanasio, sailing aboard his Imoca Fortinet - Best Western, has become somewhat of a regular at this prestigious event. This marked his third consecutive completion of the Vendée Globe, following his previous performances in 2016 and 2020, with this being his inaugural experience sailing on a foiler.
On social media, Attanasio shared his adventure with followers through numerous videos, celebrating both the triumphs and challenges faced during his three-month voyage. Moments of joy mingled with the hardships of the race, demonstrating his resilience and good spirit throughout the tough competition.
“Hymne à l'amour” reverberated aboard his ship as he enjoyed his last hours on the ocean, showcasing his love for the art of sailing as well as the personal dimensions of his experience—he cherishes his role as both sailor and family man. His son, Ruben, joined him on the boat for the first time since the race began, marking the emotional reunion for the two. Their joyful embrace was made even more touching as Attanasio was previously informed on video call mid-race about the arrival of another child, solidifying his excitement for family life.
This year's Vendée Globe was no small feat. Attanasio battled through challenging conditions, including severe weather patterns and fierce competition. His performance included close encounters with notable competitors like Boris Herrmann and Benjamin Dutreux, reflecting the camaraderie and rivalry present among the sailors.
Despite facing multiple challenges—including running his boat over 28,899 nautical miles at an average speed of 14.34 knots—his hard work paid off, leading him to succeed against the odds. Reflecting on his finish, he stated, “We’re not here to wallow; we don’t have time,” uttered during the pre-race launch of his fundraising campaign aimed at covering the costs to repair his boat after damaging it shortly before the Vendée Globe start.
Attanasio’s racing strategy involved maintaining momentum through the challenging southern Atlantic, executing skillful maneuvers at every significant landmark, including his third passage around Cape Horn, which occurred at the beginning of the year. This skillful navigation highlights his growth as a sailor, steadily improving upon his past performances, achieving 15th place during his first Vendée Globe and breaking slightly above to the 14th this time around.
The race's conclusion brought forth around ten other skippers, including the defending champion Yannick Bestaven, who returned after having been out of the competition due to structural damage to his vessel. Bestaven was poised to finish off course but remained part of the culmination of this amazing maritime challenge.
“The crowd will certainly be present today to celebrate, even for those who are finishing out of the race,” said one of the event coordinators, emphasizing the spirit of camaraderie and the shared experience of these sailors.
Romain Attanasio’s achievement and the emotions surrounding his finish encapsulate the essence of the Vendée Globe—a race not just against time but also against oneself, negotiating the highs and lows of ocean sailing, and connecting deeply with family as the ultimate prize.
Looking back on this adventure, Attanasio's story reflects his unwavering commitment to the sport, proving again why he is admired not just for his racing skills but also for his shared moments of humanity on and off the sea.