Origin – The history of the 9 editions of the Vendee Globe from 1989 to 2020 – The history of the Vendée Globe

Coboaters, the North America Coboating Club dedicated to yachtsmen (almost 100,000 users), is taking advantage of the approach of the Vendée Globe 2024 to retrace the history and origins of the Vendee Globe.

The origin: The Golden Globe Challenge

The Vendée Globe is the heir to the Golden Globe Challenge, the first non-stop single-handed round-the-world race organized in 1968 by The Sunday Times.

Of the nine competitors, only Briton Robin Knox-Johnston on a 10-meter sailboat (Suhaili) crossed the finish line after 313 days at sea and 30,123 miles. It was during the Golden Globe Challenge that the famous French sailor Bernard Moitessier decided to concede victory, abandon the competition and head for Tahiti!

The challenge was never repeated by its organizers, but the concept of a non-stop single-handed round-the-world race was revived in France 20 years later, under the name of the Vendée Globe, organized by yachtsman Philippe Jeantot.

1st edition 1989-90: The pioneers

13 competitors start, 7 finish. Titouan Lamazou (Écureuil d’Aquitaine II) won this first edition in 109 days.

He was followed by Loïck Peyron (Lada Poch) Jean-Luc Van den Heede (36.15 MET), Philippe Jeantot (Crédit Agricole IV), Pierre Follenfant (TBS-Charente Maritime), Alain Gautier (Generali Concorde), Jean-François Coste (Cacharel). 6 retirements and 54 days between the winner Titouan Lamazou and the last of the race Jean-François Coste.

Loïck Peyron rescued Philippe Poupon (Fleury Michon X), whose boat capsized in the forties.

2nd edition 1992-93: An adventure gone wrong

First of all, the American Mike Plant, who was being ferried to the start of the Vendée Globe in Les Sables d’Olonne, was found drowned on the day of the start.

At the start of this Vendée Globe, the Bay of Biscay was monstrous, Loic Peyron, whose yacht suffered water ingress, gave up, Yves Parlier, dematted, but was able to set sail again after repairs in Les Sables d’Olonne 10 days later, the Englishman Nigel Burgess was found drowned 4 days after the start…

Alain Gautier (Bagages superiors) managed to win the race on his “composite” boat designed by the architects Finot and Conq. Until now, Vendée Globe boats have been made of aluminum, which is heavier, but considered more resistant for a round-the-world race!

Bertrand de Broc (Groupe LG) cuts his tongue, and sews up his wound himself, with the help of a mirror and telephone advice from the race doctor!

Alain Gautier won the race in 110 days, followed by Jean-Luc Van Den Heede (Groupe Sofap-Helvim), Philippe Poupon (Fleury-Michon X), Yves Parlier (Cacolac d’Aquitaine), Nandor Fa (K&H Banque Matav) José de Ugarte (Euskadi Europ 93 BBK), Jean-Yves Hasselin (PRB/Solo Nantes). The other 7 skippers did not cross the finish line.

Titouan Lamazou ‘s record (109 days) was not beaten, demonstrating that the Vendée Globe is above all an adventure rather than a sporting competition!

3rd edition: 1996-97: A high-risk race

Christophe Auguin, winner of the 1996 Vendée Globe

16 competitors start, only 6 finish. Despite the search for 4 of the competitors in the area, this edition was marked by the death of Quebec sailor Gerry Roufs , who disappeared in the deep south. His boat was found several months later off the coast of Chile.

Isabelle Autissier and Catherine Chabaud were the first two competitors in the Vendée Globe. Despite a very good start,Isabelle Autissier was forced to retire in the Indian Ocean due to rudder damage. Catherine Chabaud will be the first competitor to complete a Vendée Globe.

Christophe Auguin (Geodis) finishes the race in the lead in 105 days, followed by Marc Thiercelin (Crédit Immobilier de France), Hervé Laurent (Groupe LG-Traitmat), Eric Dumont (Café Legal-Le Goût), Pete Goss (Aqua Quorum) and Catherine Chabaud (Whirlpool-Europe 2).

Yves Parlier, aboard Aquitaine Innovations, the first all-carbon 60-footer with a pivoting wing mast (from which today’s boats are still inspired) abandons the race after colliding with a growler (mini iceberg) in the deep south.

4th edition 2000-01: Less adventure, more competition

24 competitors take part in the Vendée Globe: adventure gives way to racing! Following the death of skippers in previous editions, Vendée Globe boats have evolved towards greater safety, thanks in particular to the IMOCA class, from which the OPEN60s have evolved.

Despite milder weather conditions than in previous editions (although 9 competitors did not finish classified), Michel Desjoyeaux, Ellen Mac Arthur and Roland Jourdain competed in a planetary regatta that finished on the podium.

Michel Desjoyeaux scored his first victory in 93 days, setting a new event record.

Ellen Mac Arthur is 2nd in 94 days (women’s record beaten by Clarisse Crémer during the 2020/2021 Vendée Globe).

Roland Jourdain is 3rd in 96 days.

They will be followed by Marc Thiercelin (Active Wear), Dominique Wavre (Union Bancaire Privée), Thomas Coville (Sodebo), Mike Golding (Team Group 4), Bernard Gallay (Voilà. fr), Josh Hall (Gartmore), Joé Seeten (Nord-pas-de-Calais/chocolats du Monde), Patrice Carpentier (VM Matériaux), Simone Bianchetti (Aquarelle.com), Yves Parlier (Aquitaine Innovations), Didier Munduteguy (DDP/60è Sud), Pasquale de Gregorio (Wind Telecommunicazioni).

Yves Parlier finishes “classified” despite a dismasting. He made his mark by building a makeshift rig with “his dick and his knife”, and when he ran out of life, ended his race by eating seaweed!

5th edition 2004-05: “La Vendée” becomes a global regatta!

20 competitors, including two women (Karen Leibovici and Anne Liardet), set off on the 2004 Vendée Globe. This time, the skies and waters are clear in the Bay of Biscay, but it’s the calms of the “doldrums” that will split the pack into two groups. Roland Jourdain, Vincent Riou, Jean Le Cam and Sébastien Josse are in the leading group. The race accelerated for those chasing the leaders, as they approached the fortieth mile, and pushed the outsiders to the breaking point, with Alex Thompson and Roland Jourdain retiring. Sébastien Josse was overtaken by Mike Golding after colliding with a growler (giant ice cube) and breaking his bowsprit.

In the end, Vincent Riou (PRB) won and set a new record in 87 days, improving the reference time by 6 days. Jean LeCam (Bonduelle) crossed the finish line the same day, just 7 hours after Vincent Riou, after 3 months of racing. Mike Golding (Ecover 2) took third place on the podium the following day.

They will be followed by Dominique Wavre (Temenos), Sébastien Josse (VMI), Jean-Pierre Dick (Virbac-Paprec), Conrad Humphreys (Hellomoto), Joé Seeten (Arcelor-Dunkerque), Bruce Schwab (USA, Ocean Planet), Benoît Parnaudeau (Max Havelaar-Best Western), Anne Liardet (Roxy), Raphaël Dinelli (Akena Vérandas), Karen Leibovici (Benefic).

6th edition 2008-09: The Everest of the Seas

Michel Desjoyeaux, Vendée Globe 2008 winner

30 skippers at the start, including two competitors (Samantha Davies and Dee Cafari), and only 11 boats at the finish.

The Bay of Biscay rumbles and the competitors put their heads down! Alex Thomson, Kito de Pavant and Yannick Bestaven give up after the first night at sea. 5 other competitors turn back to repair in Les Sables d’Olonne, the only authorized port of call! Michel Desjoyeaux is one of them. He resumed the race 41 hours, or almost two days late, and took the lead a few days later, never to relinquish it! The Pacific Ocean, which doesn’t deserve its name, will eliminate the competitors who had escaped the Indian Ocean:

– Yann Eliès breaks his femur in the South Pacific, and Marc Guillemot gives him moral support until Australian help arrives.

– Jean Le Cam capsizes and is rescued by Vincent Riou off Cape Horn! The next day, Vincent Riou, who had damaged his boat duringJean Le Cam‘s rescue, also dismasted his companions in misfortune! After landing Jean Le Cam in Ushuaïa onIsabelle Autissier‘s boat. The jury authorizes Vincent Riou to continue the race under jury rig. For his bravery, Vincent Riou was awarded third place Exaqueo for repairs.

At the head of the race, the battle continued between Michel Desjoyeaux and his rivals, with Roland Jourdain losing his keel and second place to a whale!

Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) crossed the finish line first in 84 days, beating Vincent Riou ‘s record by more than 3 days, followed by Armel Le Cléac’h (Brit Air), and Marc Guillemot (Safran).

They will be followed by Samantha Davies (Roxy), Brian Thompson (Bahrain Team Pindar), Dee Caffari (Aviva), Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas), Steve White (Toe in the Water), Rich Wilson (Great American III), Raphael Dinelli (Fondation Océan Vital), Norbert Sedlacek (Nauticsport-Kapsch).

7th edition: The 2012 Vendée Globe, time for the young!

The 7th edition of the Vendée Globe was marked by intense racing conditions and a speed record. The race began on November 10, 2012, with 20 skippers on the starting line. This edition was won by Frenchman François Gabart aboard his boat MACIF.

He became the youngest winner in the history of the Vendée Globe, winning the race at just 29 years of age. Gabart completed the race in 78 days, 2 hours, 16 minutes and 40 seconds, setting a new record for the event. He achieved this feat by sailing at an average speed of 15.3 knots (28.3 km/h), beating the previous record held by Michel Desjoyeaux since 2009.

François Gabart impressed the world with his talent and ability to handle the pressure against experienced competitors.

Gabart and Armel Le Cléac’h, who finished in second place on Banque Populaire just 3 hours and 17 minutes behind, waged a fierce battle throughout the course, making this edition particularly thrilling.

11 skippers out of the 20 entered finished the race, a typical retirement rate for this extreme race.

Final rankings

1. François Gabart (MACIF) – 78 days, 2 hours, 16 minutes and 40 seconds
2. Armel Le Cléac’h (Banque Populaire) – 78 days, 5 hours, 33 minutes and 52 seconds
3. Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) – 80 days, 19 hours, 23 minutes and 43 seconds

8th edition: The Vendée Globe 2016, speed and fierce competition!

Armel Le Cléac’h, winner of the 2016 Vendée Globe

The 8th edition of the Vendée Globe began on November 6, 2016 and ended in February 2017. It was a particularly landmark edition for several reasons, not least the introduction of foils (appendages enabling boats to “fly” above the water), on several boats, notably those of Armel Le Cléac’h and Alex Thomson, which transformed the way they sailed. The race was even faster and more competitive than previous editions.

• Number of participants: 29 skippers representing 10 nationalities took the start.
• Winner: Armel Le Cléac’h (Banque Populaire VIII) won the race, setting a new record with a time of 74 days, 3 hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds. He beat François Gabart’s previous record (2012-2013) by more than 3 days.
• Withdrawal rate: 11 skippers had to withdraw, i.e. just over a third of the participants.

Armel Le Cléac’h, nicknamed “the Jackal” for his tenacity, led the race masterfully, but the competition was tight right to the end with Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss), who finished second.

Rich Wilson became the oldest skipper to finish the Vendée Globe at 66.

At 23,Alan Roura was the youngest skipper in this edition, finishing an impressive 12th.

Final rankings of the top skippers

1. Armel Le Cléac’h (Banque Populaire VIII) – 74 days, 3 hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds
2. Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) – 74 days, 19 hours, 35 minutes and 15 seconds
3. Jérémie Beyou (Maître CoQ) – 78 days, 6 hours, 38 minutes and 40 seconds
4. Jean-Pierre Dick (StMichel-Virbac) – 80 days, 1 hour, 45 minutes and 45 seconds
5. Yann Eliès (Quéguiner-Leucémie Espoir) – 80 days, 3 hours, 11 minutes and 9 seconds

9th Vendée Globe (2020-2021): A heroic circumnavigation marked by solidarity and an unexpected winner

Yannick Bestaven wins the 2020 Vendée Globe

The 9th edition of the Vendée Globe was particularly special, marked by technological innovations, intense competition and a unique atmosphere due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the Vendée Globe record was not broken this time, the skippers faced highly complex and unpredictable weather conditions, making the race even more intense and spectacular.

• Number of participants: 33 skippers of 11 nationalities took the start, which was a record in terms of participation.
• Among them, 6 women took the start, another record for the race. Clarisse Crémer (Banque Populaire X) put in an impressive performance, finishing in 12th place to become the fastest woman in Vendée Globe history.
• Winner: Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ IV) was declared the winner with an official time of 80 days, 3 hours, 44 minutes and 46 seconds, after taking into account time compensations.
• Withdrawal rate: 8 skippers abandoned the race, leaving 25 skippers to complete this round-the-world voyage.

For the first time in the history of the Vendée Globe, the winner was not the first to cross the finish line. Charlie Dalin (Apivia) was the first to complete the race, but Yannick Bestaven received 10 hours and 15 minutes compensation for taking part in the search and rescue operations for Kevin Escoffier, who had to abandon after his boat capsized in the South Atlantic. This compensation enabled him to win the race.

Final ranking of the top skippers :

1. Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ IV) – 80 days, 3 hours, 44 minutes and 46 seconds (with compensation)
2. Charlie Dalin (Apivia) – 80 days, 6 hours, 15 minutes and 47 seconds
3. Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée 2) – 80 days, 10 hours, 25 minutes and 12 seconds
4. Jean Le Cam (Yes We Cam!) – 80 days, 13 hours, 44 minutes (with compensation) otherwise 81 days, 5 hours, 59 minutes and 46 seconds
5. Thomas Ruyant (LinkedOut) – 80 days, 15 hours, 22 minutes and 1 second

Solidarity at sea: The rescue of Kevin Escoffier by heroic veteran Jean Le Cam, 61, will go down as one of the most memorable moments in the history of the Vendée Globe. After Escoffier capsized, Le Cam managed to recover him unharmed in the Indian Ocean, demonstrating an exceptional spirit of solidarity and courage. He finished 4th, receiving time compensation for his role in rescuing Kevin Escoffier. His courage and experience made him an emblematic figure of this edition.

To learn more about this race: Official Vendee Globe website

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