The 10th Vendée Globe - race review

By Quinton Hall Marine Business Development Manager

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An iconic single-handed, nonstop, non-assisted, round-the-world sailing race

As the final skipper crossed the finish line of the 2024-2025 Vendée Globe, we thought we’d look back at the incredible journey these 40 sailors have been on. The race, held every 4 years, was the 10th edition of this round-the-world race, and it has been anything but straightforward. The number of skippers participating has steadily risen since it started in 1989, with the 24/25 race seeing a record number of 40 skippers at the start line. An awe inspiring collection of yachties!

The race

Getting to the start line of the Vendée Globe is an enormous challenge in itself – arguably just as difficult as completing the race. Only the most determined and well-prepared skippers make it, having had to secure sponsorship (just getting to the start line can cost anything from £0.5million to £10+million!), build or refit a boat, complete qualifying races, assemble a shore team – and that’s not even mentioning getting themselves prepared both mentally and physically.

This last race has been full of incredible sailors, all of whom are role models for anyone wanting to get out on the water in a boat. There have been collisions, dismastings and equipment failures along the way. Every sailor will have come home with stories to tell of how they pushed themselves to the limit.

A person in yellow triumphantly holds a flare on a sailboat's deck, surrounded by people, during the Vendée Globe sunset.

Race results

Of the 40 sailors who crossed the start line, 32 finished the race within the race time limit. The official time limit to achieve a ranking is 50% more than the winner’s time. i.e. any skipper who finishes within 50% more time than the race winner is considered an official finisher. This rule is in place to prevent excessively long race durations from impacting race organisation and logistics.

The 24/25 race concluded on March 7, 2025, at 8:00 UTC. By this deadline, Belgian skipper Denis van Weynbergh was still at sea. He arrived on March 8, 2025, one day past the official time limit, resulting in a “Did Not Finish” (DNF) classification.

French skipper Charlie Dalin, aboard “MACIF Santé Prévoyance,” achieved a historic victory by completing the circumnavigation in 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds, setting a new race record. This remarkable feat smashed the previous record of 74 days and 3 hours set in the 2016–2017 edition.

Yoann Richomme secured 2nd place, finishing approximately 23 hours after Dalin, whilst local favourite, Sébastien Simon achieved a historic 3rd place finish in 67 days, 18 hours, 25 mins.

Notable finishes

British sailor, Sam Goodchild took 9th place (76 days, 1hour, 36mins) in his first Vendée Globe race despite splitting his mainsail in half just five days from the finish, leading to 48 intense hours of repair.

Veteran sailor Jean Le Cam, at 65 years old, completed his 5th Vendée Globe, finishing a very respectable 20th place (85 days, 15 hours, 51mins). His performance was a testament to his enduring skill and passion for ocean racing.

Justine Mettraux was the first female to cross the line, coming in 8th in 76 days, 1 hour, 36mins.

Race challenges

The race witnessed a mix of seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers, each facing the relentless challenges posed by the oceans. Early in the race, on November 15, 2024, Maxime Sorel became the first skipper to retire due to a severe ankle injury and irreparable damage to his mainsail, forcing him to seek medical attention in Madeira.

British sailor, Pip Hare was forced to abandon her race after her yacht, “Medallia”, was dismasted approximately 800 miles south of Australia. Despite the setback, Hare managed to rig a jury sail and navigate the ‘slow boat’ to Melbourne.

German skipper Boris Herrmann reported a significant setback 900 nm off Brazil’s northeast coast, when his yacht, “Malizia – Seaexplorer”, collided with an unidentified object whilst sailing at 13.7knots. The incident resulted in substantial damage to the port-side foil. Despite the damage, Herrmann continued towards the finish line, albeit at a slower speed than he would have liked, to finish in 12th position. Earlier in the race Hermann’s boat had been damaged by a nearby lightning strike which had damaged several systems onboard, and broke a J2 hook, preventing him from using his main headsail. Two mast climbs later, he had fixed the damage.

Throughout the journey, skippers had to contend with extreme weather conditions, equipment failures, and the psychological toll of solitary sailing. The Southern Ocean, notorious for its formidable winds and towering waves, tested the resilience and skill of each sailor to the max.

Insights from the skippers on the race

Sam Goodchild, who finished 9th, highlighted the constant challenges posed by the complex systems aboard modern IMOCA 60 yachts. The systems require continuous maintenance and skippers need to have the ability to address issues promptly in order to remain competitive.

Paul Meilhat, who secured 5th place, spoke about the emotional highs and lows experienced during the voyage, noting the importance of mental fortitude and the ability to stay focused amidst isolation and adversity.

Thomas Ruyant, who finished 7th, reflected on the critical decisions regarding route choices and sail management acknowledging that some of his strategic choices, particularly in the Southern Ocean, had significant impacts on his overall performance.

Conclusion

As the final finishers crossed the line of the 2024-2025 edition of the Vendée globe, the sailing community around the world celebrated. Each and every skipper pushed their bodies and their boats to the limit. Our thoughts turn to the 11th edition in 3 year time, and especially the British sailors. Will 2028 be the year for Pip Hare?

Sources

The 10th Vendée Globe - race review

An iconic single-handed, nonstop, non-assisted, round-the-world sailing race

The race

Race results

Notable finishes

Race challenges

Insights from the skippers on the race

Conclusion

Sources

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