Created over thirty years ago by Philippe Jeantot, the Vendée Globe has become the legendary benchmark of solo ocean racing — non-stop and without assistance. From its very first edition in 1989, won by Titouan Lamazou after 109 days at sea, the race entered sporting folklore. Simple in concept, yet formidable in execution, the Vendée Globe continues to fascinate, challenge, and inspire.

Since that first circumnavigation, sailors have kept pushing the limits. In 2016–2017, Armel Le Cléac’h etched his name at the top by setting an impressive record: 74 days, 3 hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds to sail 24,000 nautical miles around the globe. A stunning performance, made all the more remarkable by a fierce duel with British skipper Alex Thomson, who remained a close rival throughout.

Then came the 2020–2021 edition — one for the history books. With 33 IMOCA boats at the start line, a record level of diversity among the skippers, gripping suspense to the very end — with eight boats finishing within 24 hours — and a dramatic mid-ocean rescue in the Indian Ocean that became a powerful symbol of the deep human values embodied by this unique race. The ninth edition left a lasting impression, both for its intensity and its humanity.

In 2024, for its tenth edition, the Vendée Globe reached a new milestone. Forty skippers — a new record — set sail from Les Sables-d’Olonne in what was a landmark anniversary edition, defined by unprecedented diversity. Seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers alike took to the start line aboard cutting-edge IMOCA boats, pushing the boundaries of offshore performance even further.

At the end of this intense showdown, it was Charlie Dalin who triumphed, brilliantly claiming victory and setting a new race record: 64 days, 19 hours and 22 minutes. A methodical skipper and sharp strategist, Dalin managed to harness the full potential of his latest-generation IMOCA, despite punishing weather conditions in the Southern Ocean. His mastery of boat handling, performance, and race management carried him to victory in a global sprint of extraordinary intensity.