Podium complete for Vendée Globe

Published on January 17th, 2025

Les Sables d’Olonne, France (January 17, 2025; Day 69) – French skipper Sébastien Simon crossed the Vendée Globe finish line in third place at 00h27 (UTC) today after 67 days, 12 hours and 25 minutes of racing, finishing 2 days and 17 hours behind the overall winner.

It’s the first time a sailor from Les Sables d’Olonne, where the legendary solo round the world race starts and finishes, has finished on the podium.

The Groupe Dubreuil skipper’s race was marked by multiple challenges which contrasted sharply with moments of great success. He smashed the record for the greatest distance covered solo in 24 hours, setting a new mark at 615.33 miles.

Breaking his starboard foil mid-race could have compromised his chances, yet he showed extraordinary determination to remain on the podium. Simon also distinguished himself with a bold tactical choice in the Indian Ocean depression, as did race winner Charlie Dalin.

“This project, launched only a year and a half ago with Groupe Dubreuil, has exceeded all our expectations,” said Simon. “Their support has been exceptional. In a year and a half, we have built a remarkable team.

“Finishing the Vendée Globe was already an achievement, but getting a podium after having been race leader several times is extraordinary. Paul-Henri Dubreuil has confirmed his support for the next edition, and I am deeply touched by this confidence.”

Simon covered the theoretical course of 23,906 miles at an average speed of 14.75 knots, but his actual course of 27,807 miles was at an average speed of 17.16 knots.

Final Results
1. Charlie Dalin (FRA): 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, 49 seconds
2. Yoann Richomme (FRA): 65 days, 18 hours, 10 minutes, 2 seconds
3. Sébastien Simon (FRA): 67 days, 12 hours, 25 minutes, 37 seconds

Race updatesTrackerRankingArrival timesFacebook

Attrition:
Nov. 15: Maxime Sorel (FRA), V and B – Monbana – Mayenne, ankle injury, mast damage
Dec. 4: Louis Burton (FRA), Bureau Vallée, rigging failure
Dec. 15: Pip Hare (GBR), Medallia, dismasted
Dec. 16: Szabolcs Weöres (HUN), New Europe, broken D2 shroud
Dec. 30: Yannick Bestaven (FRA), Maître CoQ V, steerage damage
Jan. 12: Éric Bellion (FRA), STAND AS ONE – Altavia, broken J2 forestay pin

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 started the 2024-25 edition which begins and ends in Les Sables d’Olonne, France.

Armel Le Cléac’h, winning in 2017, previously held the record for the 24,300 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.

Source: VG2024, SSN

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