The 2024 Vendée Globe race has seen significant movement since its launch, with updates coming from the waters where sailors are pushing their limits, battling the elements and their own endurance. Of the 40 skippers who set sail from Les Sables-d'Olonne, only 30 have successfully returned, with seven opting to abandon their pursuit due to various issues. Yet, the race continues for three determined sailors: Manuel Cousin, Fabrice Amedeo, and Denis Van Weynbergh. Each is anticipated to cross the finish line soon, completing this incredible solo challenge around the globe.
Manuel Cousin, competing on his boat Coup de pouce, is expected to return by February 27, 2025. This marks his second time on the Vendée Globe, highlighting his ambition to improve upon his previous performance. Cousin aims for higher rankings, hoping to defy the odds after finishing the last race at 23rd place due to mechanical troubles. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, "Lors de la dernière édition, l’objectif numéro 1 était de finir la course. Ça reste le cas et on ajoute aussi un challenge sportif. J’ai envie de faire mieux," indicating his goals for both completion and competitive spirit.
Fabrice Amedeo is set to arrive the following day, on February 28, 2025. After facing challenges during the last race, Amedeo has returned to try again, this time equipped with innovation and purpose. An ex-journalist turned professional sailor, Amedeo integrates science with sport by installing oceanographic sensors on his vessel Nexans - Wewise. These sensors will measure temperature, salinity, any microplastics, and more. With his boat featuring 15 square meters of solar panels, he is committed to competing with zero fossil fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, Denis Van Weynbergh is poised to become the first Belgian to complete this challenging race. Expected on March 2, 2025, Van Weynbergh’s participation adds to the diversity of stories within this year’s competition. A former small business owner, he redesigned his approach to the Vendée Globe to be collaborative and sustainable, focusing on using recycled materials wherever possible. His persistence exemplifies the determination seen throughout this year’s race.
While these skippers face the trials of the sea, the Vendée Globe has captivated diverse audiences, including some unexpected fans. Agnès Valet, 72, has found herself enthralled by the stories of the skippers since stumbling upon news about Louis Duc, the skipper of Fives Group – Lantana Environnement. Her story reflects how the Vendée Globe appeals not just to hardened sailing enthusiasts, but also to the general public. Valet expressed, "I was about to close it when I read the first sentence... It surprised me, so I continued reading." Indicating the allure of these sailors and their journeys, she has taken the challenge of following their paths across the ocean as part of her daily routine.
For Valet, whose previous interaction with the ocean was limited to sporadic vacations, the race has opened up new horizons. She now finds herself checking updates at all hours, claiming to feel like "a shepherd watching over her sheep" as she tracks the progress of her favorite skippers. Her newfound passion highlights the human stories and emotional connections behind each sailor’s mission, showcasing the race not merely as competition but as a rich tableau of aspiration and adventure.
The Vendée Globe remains more than just a grueling competition; it is also about hope, challenges, and the human spirit's quest for greatness, both at sea and beyond. With just three skippers left battling tides and tempests, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness how each story concludes.