Vendee Globe

The Vendee Globe is the solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world race in IMOCA 60s, sailed every four years from Les Sables-d’Olonne in France, the hardest test in offshore racing. Founded by Philippe Jeantot in 1989 from the spirit of the original Golden Globe, it sends sailors alone around the three great capes for two to three months with no outside help. Foiling boats have cut the record below 70 days, but retirement and rescue from the Southern Ocean remain routine hazards.