Vendée Globe: New Queen of Hearts, Banque Populaire back after Crémer scandal

While the last participants in the tenth Vendée Globe are still on the road, the carousel of people for upcoming campaigns on land is already spinning fast. Among others, Violette Dorange, who has recently become a shooting star, has already found a new racing team.

Violette Dorange: From fangirl to team partner

The youngest female starter in Vendée history will no longer set sail for McDonald's, but for the humanitarian organisation Initiatives-Cœur. She will therefore be sailing alongside her long-time idol Sam Davies. The latter sailed to fourth place in the 2008 Vendée Globe, inspiring Violette, who was seven years old at the time. >> Vendée Globe: Violette Dorange - the youngest starter in history

Now the circle has come full circle in an impressive way: Dorange will co-skipper the experienced Brit. "It's like a dream come true," says the 24-year-old Frenchwoman. "Sam has always been my inspiration. Sailing with her now and helping children at the same time is more than I ever hoped for." For Davies, it is fulfilling to pass on her experience: "Violette brings fresh energy and enormous talent. Together we can achieve a lot, not only in terms of sport, but also as people." The first joint challenge will be the Transat Jacques Vabre in October.

Banque Populaire back - will the Vendée Globe comeback succeed?

After Charlie Dalin was able to significantly beat her record from 2017 (Armel Le Cléac'h, 74 days, 3 hours, 35 minutes) in the current edition (64 days, 19 hours, 23 minutes)Banque Populaire is back on the vendée circuit. Following the Controversy surrounding the dismissal of skipper Clarisse Crémer and the subsequent withdrawal from the Vendée Globe 2024 a large-scale comeback. >> Vendée Globe: The background to Clarisse Crémer's sacking

A new building based on a design by Antoine Koch is to be built at CDK Technologies in Lorient or Port-La-Forêt. Sam Goodchild, Thomas Ruyant and Boris Herrmann have also recently favoured Koch designs. With the new building, Banque Populaire is emphasising its ambitions for the next Vendée Globe in 2028.

The 31-year-old Loïs Berrehar was chosen as the new skipper for this mission. The Breton from La Trinité-sur-Mer has made a name for himself in the Figaro class in recent years. In 2023 and 2024, he stood on the podium at the Solitaire du Figaro. Berrehar, who grew up in the Tornado and F18 catamaran classes after Opti as the child of a sailing-loving family, has already gained valuable experience in the Imoca class as the stand-in skipper for Vendée winner Dalin.

Image reorganisation after Crémer's ejection

The new skipper is also likely to bear a great deal of responsibility for polishing up the bank's badly tarnished image. The separation after Clarisse Crémer's pregnancy and its consequences had brought the sponsor heavy criticism. While Crémer still sailed in Alex Thomson's team to the Vendée Globe 2024the sponsor then concentrated on on his Ultim project with Armel Le Cléac'h and withdrew its Imoca project.

The comeback with Berrehar is likely to meet with divided opinions on the scene. If the declared goal - victory in the upcoming Vendée Globe - is achieved, Banque Populaire would join the ranks of the most successful sponsors in the history of the regatta. So far, only PRB and Macif have won the non-stop round-the-world race twice.

In order to make the most of the four years until the next Vendée, other teams are also currently being reorganised. Discussions are taking place in the background. Numerous boats such as Yoann Richomme's "Paprec Arkea" and Sam Goodchild's "Vulnerable", "Guyot" by Benjamin Dutreux and "TeamWork - Team Snef" by Justine Mettraux are for sale, while others have already changed hands. In addition, even more new buildings are to be created than in the current edition, further advancing the already incredible development of the Imoca class. >> Vendée Globe: 50 per cent increase in performance - the incredible development of the Imocas

Vendée Globe 2028: Franck Cammas is coming, Boris Herrmann is also planning a new building

Vendée Globe fans can already look forward to a special starter: Jules Verne Trophy winner and Ocean Race winner Franck Cammas is planning to take part in the 2027 Ocean Race with a new build and will be competing in the 2028 Vendée Globe with high ambitions. In addition to completely new developments, a sister ship to the current winning and record-breaking yacht "Macif Santé Prévoyance" is already being built for Elodie Bonafous. "Malizia - Seaexplorer" is also getting a doppelganger: Armel Tripon is building it using slightly modified moulds from Boris Herrmann's current ship.

At this point in time, a new record appears to have been set in the face of the incredible record set by Charlie Dalin However, this is unlikely. Also because foils on the rudder blades, so-called elevators, will still not be permitted. These would almost certainly represent a quantum leap in the development of 60-foot monohulls.

From a German perspective, the name Andreas Baden should also be noted alongside Boris Herrmann, who is using the knowledge gained to push ahead with a new build for his third participation. The electronics specialist and professional sailor from Kiel supported third-placed Sebastien Simon in his current campaign and is now aiming for his own participation in 2028. In an exclusive YACHT interview, he talks about the challenges and prospects of success of this project, among other things.