The Race Direction team for the 2024 Vendée Globe has been announced. It is made up of : Hubert Lemonnier, Jacques Caraës, Claire Renou, Pierre Hays And Yann Eliès. Jacques Caraës, the race director of the two previous editions, is handing over to his right-hand man Hubert Lemonnier.

The tenth edition of the Vendée Globe, which will start on 10th November 2024, will focus on the transmission of knowledge.

The race management is an important part of the Vendée Globe organisation. It ensures the safety of the sailors at sea in direct relation with the French Sailing Federation, the Race Committee, the Technical Committee, the International Jury and the Medical Commission.  

"This team is experienced, complementary and brings together all the skills needed to ensure the safety of the sailors at sea. I am delighted to be able to pass on the baton for this essential position, which is the race director, which is why I have selected this team, which is truly rooted in the transmission of knowledge between Jacques Caraës, the race director for the 2016 and 2020 editions, and Hubert Lemonnier, who will be heading up this team at the end of his accreditation process. They will be supported by an experienced team made up of Claire Renou and Pierre Hays, both already present in the 2020 edition and with solid references in the ocean racing world. Yann Eliès, who has taken part in the Vendée Globe twice, will strengthen the team by bringing his valuable experience as an offshore sailor," declared Alain Leboeuf, President of the Vendée Globe.


A VERY PROMISING TRANSITION

Since the end of the previous Vendée Globe, Jacques Caraës has been working with his team with the aim of passing on the baton to his second in command. So it is naturally and with mutual trust that the roles will be reversed for the 10th edition. 

Born in La Rochelle and aged 42, Hubert Lemonnier joined the world of offshore racing more than fifteen years ago. After working in a variety of roles in various international teams, he turned to race management. In 2010, he joined the Barcelona World Race team, followed by the 2012, 2016 and 2020 Vendée Globe and a number of other IMOCA races.

TODAY, THERE ARE 28 OFFICIAL CANDIDATES FOR THE 10TH EDITION

28 candidates have already completed their applications.

- Romain ATTANASIO (FORTINET - BEST WESTERN) 
- Eric BELLION (COMMEUNSEULHOMME X ALTAVIA) 
- Yannick BESTAVEN (MAÎTRE COQ V)
- Jérémie BEYOU (CHARAL)
- Arnaud BOISSIÈRES (LA MIE CÂLINE)
- Louis BURTON (BUREAU VALLÉE) 
- Manuel COUSIN (MC SAILING TEAM)
- Charlie DALIN (MACIF)
- Louis DUC (GROUPE FIVES - LANTANA ENVIRONNEMENT) 
- Benjamin DUTREUX (GUYOT ENVIRONNEMENT - WATER FAMILY)
- Kevin ESCOFFIER (HOLCIM - PRB) 
- Benjamin FERRÉ (MONNOYEUR DUO FOR A JOB) 
- Pip HARE (MEDALLIA) 
- Boris HERRMANN (MALIZIA SEAEXPLORER) 
- Isabelle JOSCHKE (MACSF)
- Jean LE CAM (TOUT COMMENCE EN FINISTERE - ARMOR LUX) 
- Sébastien MARSSET (FOUSSIER - MON COURTIER ÉNERGIE)
- Justine METTRAUX (TEAMWORK.NET)
- Giancarlo PEDOTE (PRYSMIAN GROUP)
- Yoann RICHOMME (PAPREC ARKÉA)
- Alan ROURA (HUBLOT
- Damien SEGUIN (GROUPE APICIL
- Phil SHARP (OCEANSLAB)
- Maxime SOREL (V AND B - MONBANA – MAYENNE)
- Guirec SOUDÉE (FREELANCE.COM)
- Nicolas TROUSSEL (CORUM L'ÉPARGNE)
- Denis VAN WEYNBERGH (D'IETEREN GROUP)
- Szabolcs WEÖRES (SZABI RACING) 

Sailors have until 2nd October 2023 to officially declare themselves as candidates. 

NEW YORK VENDÉE - LES SABLES D'OLONNE 

The last qualifying race for the Vendée Globe, this event represents a great sporting challenge. The start will be given on 29th May 2024 from the United States and we will have to wait until the IMOCA cross the finish line in Les Sables d'Olonne to know the final list of competitors for the 10th edition of the round the world race.  

 

Source: Vendée Globe