Records fall in Vendee Globe
First two yachts circle the globe in less than 80 daysThe warmth of the welcome and the passion for the Vendée Globe was immediately obvious to everyone who was in Les Sables d’Olonne to witness the historic finishes of winner François Gabart and second placed Armel Le Cléac’h, and indeed to a huge global audience who used every different type of media to share the incredible experience.
The two French skippers shattered the race records, Gabart, 29 becoming the youngest skipper to win the Vendée Globe, lowering the course record to 78 days, 2 hours and 16 minutes 40 seconds and in doing so bettering Michel Desjoyeaux’ s 2008-9 record by 6 days and 53 minutes.
Le Cléac’h also took the solo monohull mark under 80 days for the first time, taking second place by the smallest margin in the history of the race, just 3 hours 17 minutes and 4 seconds behind Gabart.
The constant intensity of the duel has kept the audience engaged since the start and this was the inspirational conclusion of the race which has amazed at the sheer consistent speed of the two leading protagonists around the world.
Ten yachts remain on the course with Alex Thompson aboard Hugo Boss currently in fourth place.
He is some 200nm ahead of fourth-placed Jean Pierre Dick who is remarkably still in the race and sailing despite having lost his keel. Dick still has around 820nm to the finish and will make a decision on whether to continue or abandon the race in the next day or so.
Meanwhile down the back of the field, Alessandro di Benedetto aboard Team Plastique still has over 4600nm to the finish.
For more information go to www.vendeeglobe.org
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
