Vendée Globe 2024: the race is on!

The start of the Vendée Globe told by Alessandra Peparini, skipper for Greenpeace.

Today, with relatively calm seas and light winds, the 40 skippers – including six women – have set sail from Les Sables d’Olonne. In the coming weeks, they will compete in one of the most challenging races in the world: the Vendée Globe.

Often called the “Everest of sailing,” the Vendée Globe is a solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world race, passing the three legendary capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Cape Horn) for a total of around 45,000 kilometers.

Representing Italy is 48-year-old sailor Giancarlo Pedote, participating in his second edition of the Vendée Globe. Pedote previously competed in the 2020 edition, finishing in an excellent position and, notably, with his boat in pristine condition.

In his interview, Pedote shared his longing to relive those intense emotions and “breathe in that unique air” found only in the southern oceans. He explained that his choice to reuse the same boat was also driven by ecological reasons, a point highlighted by the Vendée Globe organizers as well.

Indeed, the President has stated that, for the 10^th edition of this event, even the village hosting the race has been designed to have a low environmental impact and to raise awareness, especially among younger generations, about the urgent need to protect our oceans and our planet.

The Vendée Globe thus aspires to be a platform for innovation and research, offering an invaluable opportunity to observe the oceans and gather scientific data from one of the most remote parts of our planet: the majestic seas of the great south.

A powerful and important message, then, shared by the teams, skippers, and the organizers: to protect the oceans.

The atmosphere along the docks and among the stands is incredible; in France, sailing is deeply cherished, and Vendée Globe sailors are seen as heroes of the open sea, both for adults and especially for children.

Speaking of youth, we can’t overlook Violette Dorange, who, at just 23 years old, is the youngest participant in history. Although somewhat reserved when it comes to interviews and public appearances, the French sailor has quickly won the hearts and support of fans. Naturally, we made sure to send her our best wishes as well.

Alongside Violette are five other female skippers (Samantha Davies, Pip Hare, Justine Mettraux, Isabelle Joschke, Clarisse Crémer), making this Vendée Globe a landmark event with the highest number of women competing, promising us some incredible moments.

And on the theme of equality, resilience, and accessibility in the sport of sailing, we are impressed by the story of Chinese skipper Jingkun Xu. At 35, he’s competing despite a significant left-arm amputation he suffered at twelve due to a firework accident. Undoubtedly, he will face more challenges than able-bodied sailors, yet his participation sends a strong and inspiring message. Well done, Jingkun, and kudos to the other competitors with physical disabilities who, by joining this edition, prove that determination and passion for a sport can overcome any physical or mental barrier.

Since the first edition launched in 1989, technology has made great strides, and with it, both materials and boat profiles have evolved. So, while the class remains the same, the performance of the boats in this tenth edition of the Vendée Globe will be significantly different. Success will depend not only on the skill of the skippers but also on their strategic choices, determining who will ultimately come out on top. For thousands of French fans, however, they are all winners—for the courage of their undertaking and for the dreams they inspire in so many spectators.

Fair winds to all!

Alessandra Peparini