VENDEE GLOBE
PIP HARE LEADS BRITISH CHARGE IN SOLO EPIC
The Vendée Globe starts on 10 November 2024 and selection for one of the 40 places will be tougher than ever, with several British sailors in the running as we go to press.
Since its creation, only 114 sailors have done the Vendée Globe. The breathtaking last edition four years ago was won by Frenchman Yannick Bestaven on Maître CoQ. His rivals in 2024/25 include Charlie Dalin, who finished first over the line last time but second on corrected time (Besthaven assisted in the Southern Ocean rescue of Kevin Escoffier). Dalin won the 2022 Route du Rhum and launched a new boat with partner Macif in 2023.
Also on the podium four years ago was Louis Burton, who goes again in 2024 on Bureau Vallée.
The veteran Jean Le Cam, aged 64, races again in 2024, his loyal following no doubt delighted that he is showing the youngsters how it’s done again. Le Cam is a wily competitor – he took a magnificent fourth place in his fifth Vendée Globe four years ago.
This race could see five British competitors.
Pip Hare on Medallia is aiming to improve on her performance four years ago, when she sailed the oldest boat in the race.Hare, from Poole, Dorset, has the requisition determination in spades and has built up a big following outside sailing with her fun and unfailingly honest videos from on board.
Hoping for a place in his first Vendée Globe, as the youngest skipper this time, is James Harayda, on Gentoo.
Sam Goodchild, on For the Planet, is a highly experienced sailor with a CV to rival anyone’s. He’s relatively new to the IMOCA single-handed but has plenty of ocean racing to bring to bear including the TJV.
Phil Sharp, on Oceanslab - Cleantech Accelerator, would also be doing his first Vendée. Based in La Rochelle, he’s a single-handed veteran who can list more than 25 podiums in transatlantic and coastal racing, breaking three World Sailing Speed Records – uniquely with zero emissions. His mission is to race around the globe in the world’s first ‘hydrogen race yacht’.
Sam Davies on Initiatives-Coeur is well-known to the sailing public and won the hearts of many Vendée followers when she continued sailing around the world from Cape Town, despite having to retire from the race after a collision.