Vendée Globe: Balance sheet and outlook of the organisers, winner's gala in sight

After the thrilling race around the world, it is no longer a surprise that the tenth Vendée Globe has broken many records. The brightest rocket in the fireworks of records was fired by winner Charlie Dalin with his marvellous race around the world. The Vendée Globe dominator crossed the finish line after 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds. The sailing world agrees: it could be some time before this fabulous record can be broken.

Further examples of outstanding achievements on the water can be found in an initial overview, which YACHT online had already published in February. But beyond the exceptional sporting achievements, the Verndée Globe 2024/2025 has also produced impressive performances and numbers to marvel at.

The 40 skippers, their teams, the army of organisers and helpers as well as 48 event partners, 37 percent more committed companies than in the previous edition, contributed to this. As Boris Herrmann looks back on his second solo circumnavigation of the globe, Team Malizia's skippers have already completed revealed in a big interview.

The winners' party will take place on 10 May

On 25 March, in the Vendée town of La Roche-sur-Yon, the Vendée Globe organisers themselves provided detailed information on how they look back on the tenth summit attempt. The event, which lasted around one and a half hours, was accompanied by a reference to the upcoming winners' gala on 10 May in Les Sables-d'Olonne.

The spirit of the tenth Vendée Globe will then be evoked once again at the reunion with a celebration and the honours. Vendée President Alain Lebœuf also let it be known that the most important framework conditions for the eleventh edition will be presented in October.

Beforehand, however, Alain Lebœuf, Sodebo Co-President Patricia Brochard and Les Sables-d'Olonne Mayor Yannick Moreau looked back on what the latest edition has brought at the press conference in the Vendée town of La Roche-sur-Yon. For example, a media purchase equivalent of 415 million euros - the monetary equivalent of the media coverage if the space and times had been purchased.

The Vendée Globe budget: 24 million euros

For the start alone, 2.45 million people travelled to the small town of Les Sables-d'Olonne with a population of just under 50,000. 1.3 million people attended the Race Villange. 350,000 fans were there live at the start. A total of 800,000 people came to the finishes to celebrate the performances of the soloists. More than 30,000 guests were welcomed in the hospitality areas.

For their XXXL sailing festival around the world and on land, the organisers had been able to increase their budget compared to the previous edition. Alain Lebœuf said: "I think we have gone from 16 million euros to 24 million euros. So there is an evolution. This progress is thanks to the companies that have decided to support this event."

The increased interest in the solo race around the world, both in France and internationally, is also reflected in the coverage of 168 TV stations in 190 countries worldwide - an increase of 30 per cent. "Beyond the sport, it remains a great adventure that fascinates people," said Alain Lebœuf.

Focus on further internationalisation

With 160 million website and app visits, an increase of 37 per cent was achieved compared to the 2020/2021 "pandemic edition", during which people had a lot of time and a longing for adventure. 9.2 billion individual impressions and a total of 1.6 million followers (up 55 per cent) on social media show the further significant increase in interest in the extreme sailing summit "Made in France".

The Vendée Globe app alone was downloaded 580,000 times. More than 40 million videos were viewed on TikTok during the race. During the entire race, the organisers counted no fewer than 18 million unique visitors to the website and app - also a new record with a 60% increase compared to 2020.

40 participants made us dream." Alain Lebœuf

According to the organisers, the fact that around 35 percent of the Vendée Globe's Instagram followers are based outside of France is a good sign of internationalisation. "We want to do everything we can to ensure that this race remains international. The race is open and I invite all international skippers to train for it. The response already shows that a number of international skippers are preparing for the next edition," says Vendée Globe President Lebœuf.

Boris is one of the great champions who helped write the history of the Vendée Globe." Alain Lebœuf

When asked by YACHT online about further internationalisation interests and plans, Alain Lebœuf initially replied: "Merci to our German friends and bravo to Boris! He sailed a great race. We all thought he would be among the first, but you know that at sea we have to deal with the elements, lows and more. He had a great arrival. We were delighted for him."

On a promotional tour for the Vendée Globe

This time, 14 non-French starters represented eleven other countries in the race alongside France. With regard to the international Vendée Globe participation in the eleventh edition, Alain Le Bœuf pointed to Francesca Clapcich. "There is an Italian woman who has already competed in the America's Cup and has proven her talent several times. An American skipper who wants to take part in the Vendée Globe 2028 on the same boat as Boris now." YACHT onlnine had reported on the sale of "Malizia - Seaexplorer" to Francesca Clapcich, who was born in Italy and lives in America.

According to Lebœuf, there is no precise target for the proportion of international skippers in the still very French-dominated race around the world, but there is "encouragement and intention". Lebœuf also announced that a team led by Vendée Globe Director General Laura Le Goff "will be travelling to various countries to further increase awareness of the Vendée Globe".

YACHT's big Vendée Globe review:

Click here for the official Vendée Globe documentation: