Organised quadrennially, this ocean sailing competition is easily the ultimate test there is
Organised quadrennially, this ocean sailing competition is easily the ultimate test there is. Known as Vendée Globe, it's a non-stop (single-handed) solo round the world yacht race. Arduous, to say the least and at times downright dangerous, the yachters cover a total distance of 45,000km (28,000 miles) between 70 and 130 days, barring any unforeseen accident. Name after the department and since 1992 has taken place every four years. It is named after the Département of Vendée, it has been held every four years since 1992.
The Route
Commencing and ending at Les Sables D'Olonne, in the Vendée region on the west coast of France, it follows the clipper route of circumnavigation which are preferred by containers and cargo ships when plying between Europe and the Far East & Oceania. This, the fastest round-the-world oceanic route starts out in the Atlantic towards the south of Africa at the tip of Cape Hope and then turns east through the Southern Ocean to harness the gale-force, west-to-east wind currents that blow between latitudes 40° and 50°, called the 'Roaring Forties'. It then travels clockwise around Antarctica, keeping Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn to port; then back to Les Sables d'Olonne.
The Idea
It was started by Philippe Jeantot, a French sailor in 1989 as "The Globe Challenge”. Incidentally, he participated in the inaugural 1989 – 90 race and came fourth. That competition was won by a fellow Frenchman, Titouan Lamazou.
The winner of the 1982–83 and 1986–87, BOC Challenge in the 60-foot class race, Jeantot, was dissatisfied with its race format, which being held in stages accorded the competitors and their boats to rest and repair. He wanted a more enduring and ultimate challenge and came up with his own format.
The racers are now only allowed monohulls conforming to the IMOCA 60 class, also known as the Open 60. Prior to 2004 one could also compete in an Open 50 boat.
The Challenge
This race is so challenging that a significant portion of the participants usually are able to complete it. There was even a case in 1996–97 involving Canadian Gerry Roufs, who was reportedly lost in the sea. Apart from the rigours of continuity — one can drop an anchor but not rest at a port, slogging it out in isolation away from any outside assistance of any kind, it's negotiating the severe wind and wave conditions, which takes the ultimate toll on the human body. The sea gets characteristically rough under the influence of the austral summer during November to February period when it takes place.
