On Course: Episode 36

The On Course series takes a regular look at the sailing world with show host Matt Sheahan. Here is the Episode 36 description:

One start, one finish, one lap of the planet… alone. The Vendée Globe is the toughest offshore race in the world. And now, for its 10th edition it is also the biggest and the most competitive in the 40 year history of the event.

Matt Sheahan headed over to Les Sables d’Olonne and ahead of the start to experience the spectacle of one of the biggest shows in sailing. He talks to skippers and gives his views on the runners and riders for this extraordinary race.

Event information – Entry list – Facebook

The Vendée Globe, raced in the 60-foot IMOCA, is the elite race round the world, solo, non-stop, and without assistance. On November 10, 40 skippers start the 2024-25 edition which begins and ends in Les Sables d’Olonne, France. Armel Le Cléac’h, winning in 2017, holds the record for the 24300 nm course of 74 days 03 hours 35 minutes 46 seconds. Only one sailor has won it twice: Michel Desjoyeaux in 2001 and 2009. This is tenth running of the race.