Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq V), winner of the Vendée Globe in 2021, is once again the favorite at the start of the tenth edition of the legendary sailing event this Sunday. But obviously many other contenders crave the final victory for their return to Les Sables-d’Olonne, around mid-January.
Starting with Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance), who crossed the finish line first in 2021 with a time of 80 days, 6 hours, 15 minutes and 47 seconds, but had to give up the victory to Bestaven, credited with a bonus from 10.15am. for saving Kevin Escoffier during the event.
Among the favorites there are also Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée), Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable), Jean Le Cam (It all begins in Finistère – Armor-Lux), Benjamin Dutreux (Guyot Environnement – Water Family) or the British Samantha Davies (Initiatives- Heart ).
Beyond the prestige of a success or a good performance at the Vendée Globe, the finish ranking obviously determines the skippers’ winnings. For this tenth edition, the competitors, 40 on the starting line, will share a total prize money of 800,000 euros, an amount unchanged compared to the previous edition, in 2020-2021.
For the winner a bonus of 200,000 euros
A quarter of the prize money is promised to the big winner, who will then receive a check for 200,000 euros. The skipper ranked 2nd will receive 140,000 euros and the 3rd 100,000 euros. The next, from 4th to 10th place, will receive 80,000 euros, 50,000 euros, 40,000 euros, 30,000 euros, 25,000 euros, 20,000 euros and 15,000 euros respectively.
the other competitors who have completed the course, but above 10th place, will share the sum of 100,000 euros. But the share due to each individual cannot be higher than the price received by the tenth place winner (15,000 euros).
Any remainder will be distributed equally among all the classified skippers, starting from the 4th classified. In the event that ten or fewer skippers are present at the finish, the remainder of the undistributed sums will be distributed equally among all classified skippers.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sailing Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview today! We’re excited to discuss the upcoming tenth edition of the Vendée Globe, which is set to set sail this Sunday. To help us understand the dynamics, we’re joined by sailing expert, Dr. Caroline Simons. Caroline, it’s great to have you!
Dr. Caroline Simons: Thanks for having me! I’m thrilled to discuss this incredible event.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Yannick Bestaven, the 2021 winner, is once again a favorite. What makes him stand out in this competition?
Dr. Simons: Yannick Bestaven’s experience and skill are key factors contributing to his status as a favorite. Winning the Vendée Globe isn’t just about speed; it requires strategic decision-making and resilience against the unpredictable ocean. Bestaven displayed both qualities in 2021, particularly when he heroically saved Kevin Escoffier, which also earned him a time bonus, helping him secure victory.
Editor: That brings us to Charlie Dalin, who crossed the finish line first in 2021 but didn’t ultimately win. How does that impact his mindset going into this edition?
Dr. Simons: Charlie Dalin will definitely be motivated to reclaim his position. Coming so close and then finishing second can be a double-edged sword; the disappointment is palpable, but it also fuels determination. The fact that he had such an impressive time of 80 days speaks volumes about his capability. He will likely approach this race with a fresh strategy, eager to capitalize on every opportunity.
Editor: This race seems to be filled with formidable competitors. Who else should we keep an eye on?
Dr. Simons: There are several contenders who could make things interesting. Louis Burton, Thomas Ruyant, and Jean Le Cam are all seasoned sailors with strong performances in previous races. Then there’s Benjamin Dutreux, who is known for his sustainable sailing practices, and Samantha Davies, who brings valuable experience as one of the top British skippers. Each of these sailors has the potential to shake up the leaderboard.
Editor: Let’s talk about the stakes. Beyond the glory of winning, what does the Vendée Globe mean for these sailors?
Dr. Simons: The Vendée Globe is considered the ultimate test in solo ocean racing. For these sailors, it’s not just about victory; it’s about personal achievement, pushing their limits, and validating their skills against the best in the world. It’s a chance to showcase their commitment to sailing and often leads to sponsorship opportunities and recognition in the sailing community.
Editor: With the race starting soon, how do you think the sailors will prepare in these last moments?
Dr. Simons: The final hours before the race are critical. Sailors will be double-checking their gear, going over their plans, and ensuring their boats are in peak condition. Mental preparation is also vital, as the psychological aspect of solo sailing over such a long distance can be daunting. They’ll be focusing on visualizing their strategies and staying calm amidst the pre-race excitement.
Editor: It sounds like an exhilarating journey lies ahead! Any final thoughts before we sign off?
Dr. Simons: Just that this race embodies the spirit of adventure and human perseverance. The Vendée Globe isn’t solely about sailing; it’s a profound exploration of endurance, strategy, and the relationship between humanity and the vast ocean. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!
Editor: Thank you, Caroline, for your insights. We’ll be watching closely and wish all the sailors great success in the Vendée Globe!