On May 29, 31 skippers from around the world will set sail from New York towards the Vendée, for the final qualifying and selection race to qualify for the Vendée Globe: the most challenging sailing race around the world. The race, which includes the favourites for the Vendée Globe, is likely to set a new transatlantic record: the expected downwind conditions should propel the first competitors towards Vendée very quickly.
The event will begin with a show of all the IMOCA boats on May 24. These impressive 60-foot-long racing boats, which can sail up to 50 mph, will make the Show in Manhattan Bay.
From one edition to the next, the Vendée Globe is becoming increasingly international. While 2020 was a record year in this respect, 2024 is once again a record year with 16 international candidates.
International Fleet
The New York Vendée - Les Sables d'Olonne, the final qualifying and selection race for the Vendée Globe, further underlines this trend. Among the 31 competitors are 14 international skippers, representing over 45% of the fleet and 11 nationalities.
The appeal of this race goes beyond national borders, as illustrated by the fact that it is attracting a new nationality with Scott Shawyer, a Canadian skipper whose ambition is to take part in the Vendée Globe 2028. "This race means a lot to me, as it will be my first solo race, my first solo transatlantic race and therefore a whole series of firsts! It's a big step in my programme," explains the Canadian skipper.