Vendee Globe — A Two Boat Race for the Finish Line

After sailing over 24,000 nautical miles and just 300 nautical miles from the finish line of the Vendee Globe singlehanded round the world race, Armel Le Cleac’h sailing Banque Populaire VIII is holding a slim 30 nautical mile lead on … Continue reading

Vendee Globe — Hugo Boss & Banque Populaire VIII Shot from French Navy Helicopter

Here is some remarkable video footage of the two leaders of the Vendee Globe single-handed around the world race, shot from a French Navy helicopter from the frigate Nivôse. The helicopter videoed Armel le Cleac’h, sailing Banque Populaire VIII, and … Continue reading

The VPLP-Verdier Racers with Dali Moustaches — the Future or a Foil Too Far?

A new IMOCA (International Monohull Open Class Association) 60 design by Guillaume Verdier and VPLP Design has raised the question whether the design will be a the future of ocean racing or whether it is a foil too far.  In addition … Continue reading

The Strange New World of Single-handed Racing – Alex Thomson Vendée Globe Week 4 Highlights

In 1969 in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, the first non-stop, single-handed, round-the-world yacht race, there was considerable concern for Robin Knox Johnson whose radio had malfunctioned off New Zealand.  Four months later, he was able to make contact with a … Continue reading

More Vendée Globe Gear Problems – Jérémie Beyou Drops Out After Keel Failure

A week ago last Sunday, 20 boats sailed by 20 sailors set off in the Vendée Globe non-stop round-the-world single-handed yacht race. Now only 15 remain in the race.  Jérémie Beyou dropped out yesterday after the hydraulic ram on his articulating keel broke on his Open 60 class boat, Maître CoQ.   Of the … Continue reading