This Christmas, as the world gathers with family and friends, nearly thirty skippers find themselves racing across the ocean as part of the Vendée Globe 2024. The iconic solo sailing race has taken them far from home, with some positioned between Australia and Cape Horn, battling the elements and competing for glory, yet embracing the festive spirit in their own unique ways.
Leading the pack are Yoann Richomme aboard Paprec Arkea and Charlie Dalin on Macif, who successfully rounded Cape Horn on December 24. Meanwhile, Swiss sailor Alan Roura, currently 20th, donned his Santa hat to celebrate the occasion. “Merry Christmas, it’s the 24th! But I’m not quite sure what time it is here, or when we’re supposed to celebrate. I’m always eager for Christmas gifts though, so I have everything prepared!” he exclaimed, hinting at the delightful surprises awaiting him. Throughout the race, he humorously noted, “I’ll just have to open everything with a nice warm meal.”
Conversely, Jingun Xu from Singchain Team Haikou, placed at 33rd, has recently passed Cape Leeuwin, south of Australia. The occasion called for popping some champagne and thanking the sea gods to the tune of Christmas music—a self-celebration reflecting the spirit of the season, albeit at sea.
This reunion period, known for togetherness, feels particularly distant for these sailors. Despite their isolation, many skippers are determined to create their own Christmas ambiance on board. For veteran sailor Samantha Davies, now 13th overall, it’s not her first Christmas spent on the open sea. “I have wonderful memories from past Christmases at sea. Despite the rough conditions and the challenges aboard, I strive to maintain some semblance of 'normal' life because otherwise, it just becomes too exhausting—especially at Christmas!” she shared. To celebrate, she prepared festive decorations for her boat, announcing, “It’s always fun to set them up.”
Though not every skipper has decked their Imoca yacht with Christmas décor, they all plan to acknowledge the holiday spirit. Arnaud Boissières from La Mie Câline has gone above and beyond with his festive meal. “I’ve got what you could call an upgraded dish… A veal stew prepared by my older sister! It’s packed up nice and stored. On the morning of the 25th, I’ll have truffle pasta, topped off with some Génépi. I also have my Santa hat, my white beard, and some lovely Christmas socks for the festivities,” he remarked.
For Damien Seguin, celebrating means spending time with his plush companions, “I’ll be alone with my friends (the stuffed toys). I’ll have some upgraded meal myself, but I’ll keep it as a surprise.” He lightheartedly noted, “I can’t really create a cozy fireplace ambiance, but I’ll surely find joy differently.” Meanwhile, sailor Denis Van Weynbergh is also planning for an unexpected feast. “I have options for my drinks. I’ll see what I choose depending on the meal. I’m not quite sure what I’ll munch on yet,” he teased.
Despite being far from loved ones, all sailors are maintaining contact with family during the holidays. “Santa Claus has already visited me; I have gifts still sitting unopened,” added Boissières. “I also have little presents from my team and my kids. I’ll be video calling them on the 24th since we celebrate on the 24th back home, just like the tradition goes.” This sentiment is mirrored by Davies, who believes connecting with family is key. “I also have a special bag and I think my team has prepared surprises for me. I plan to call my son, sister, and niece to wish them Merry Christmas.”
For these skippers, the sadness of being alone during Christmas is overshadowed by the exhilarating life experience the Vendée Globe brings. “It feels quite special to be celebrating Christmas alone on this boat, thousands of kilometers away from family and friends,” admitted Seguin. Acknowledging the emotional challenge, Van Weynbergh says, “It’s sure hard to be distanced from loved ones during such times. But I see it as quite the opportunity to live this unique Christmas experience, close to Australia, racing around the world—such things don’t happen to everyone, so I’ve got to see myself as somewhat of a VIP.” And perhaps, just maybe, the greatest gift they receive this season isn’t the logistical victory of the round-the-world race but the adventures they share with the sea.
