1. Yoann Richomme – Paprec Arkéa
Yoann Richomme is not only an exceptional sailor, but also a talented naval architect, trained in Southampton. After having cut his teeth as a technical trainer in offshore racing, he began as skipper in 2010 on the demanding Figaro circuit, where he distinguished himself by finishing 2? rookie from his first participation. Since then, he has won the Solitaire du Figaro twice (2016, 2019) and the Route du Rhum twice (2018, 2022) in Class40, confirming his mastery in offshore racing. In 2023, he won in Return to Base and maintained his status as winner with a victory in the Transat CIC in 2024 aboard his new IMOCA Paprec Arkéa. With such experience and preparation, he is the big favorite for this edition of the Vendée Globe.
2. Jérémie Beyou – Charal
Jérémie Beyou, experienced sailor and sailing enthusiast since a young age, has left his mark on the history of ocean racing. After a 4? place on the Solitaire du Figaro in 2001, he persisted and won this event in 2005. He attempted the Vendée Globe in 2008 and 2011, but had to abandon both times due to damage. Beyou rebounded with numerous victories, notably in the New York Vendée – Les Sables d'Olonne and three victories in the Solitaire du Figaro. In 2017, he finally reached the Vendée Globe podium, finishing 3rd. In 2020, damage forced him to return to Les Sables after a few days of racing, relegating him to 13? final place. However, he comes back strong in 2023, with a victory on the Azimut Challenge and a podium on Return to Base and the New York Vendée – Les Sables d'Olonne. Despite the obstacles, Jérémie Beyou continues to fight and, with such a rich track record, this edition of the Vendée Globe could well be his.
3. Charlie Dalin – Macif Santé Prévoyance
Charlie Dalin is one of the most formidable skippers in the Vendée Globe, with an impressive career since his debut. A graduate of the University of Southampton, like his rival Yoann Richomme, Dalin has been accumulating success since 2004, including two French Offshore Racing Champion titles and four podiums on the Solitaire du Figaro. In IMOCA, his record is remarkable: in 2023, he won the Rolex Fastnet Race, before having to abandon the Transat Jacques Vabre the same year for medical reasons. In 2024, he came back strong by winning the New York Vendée – Les Sables d'Olonne, once again proving his consistency. During his first participation in the Vendée Globe in 2020-2021, Dalin crossed the finish line first, but gave up victory to Yannick Bestaven due to compensation. This rigorous and talented sailor once again establishes himself as one of the big favorites to win the title.
© Olivier Blanchet / Alea / VG2024
We have no doubt that the competition will be tough for these three sailors, because they are not the only ones with a chance of victory. Formidable contenders will be on their heels to also win the Grail.
Thomas Ruyant : Thomas Ruyant is a formidable skipper, whose successes have marked ocean racing since its beginnings. With six transatlantic victories on four different supports, he won in IMOCA, achieving an unprecedented hat-trick by winning the Route du Rhum (2022) and the Transat Jacques Vabre (2021, 2023). Although the Vendée Globe has not yet smiled on him, Ruyant, for his third participation, arrives with a strong spirit of revenge and optimal preparation, making him one of the favorites.
Boris Herrmann : Boris Herrmann almost created the feat during his first participation in the Vendée Globe in 2021, but a collision with a trawler near the finish relegated him to 5? place. Winner of the EuroCup 505 in 2005 and the Portimao Global Ocean Race in Class40, he also stands out in IMOCA with several podiums. In 2024, he finishes 2? of the Transat CIC and the New York Vendée – Les Sables d’Olonne. For his second Vendée Globe, Herrmann is more than ever a formidable opponent.
Yannick Bestaven : Winner of the last Vendée Globe, Bestaven must now defend his title, a difficult task in the face of increased competition. His boat has proven it can go the distance, and its ability to handle complex situations at sea gives it a distinct advantage.
Sam Goodchild : For his first Vendée Globe, Sam Goodchild plans to do things well. Being part of the same technical team as Thomas Ruyant, this ensures his status as a formidable contender. His good results in the Défi Azimut or the Transat Jacques Vabre demonstrate his potential to compete with the best, which makes him a serious challenger.
Samantha Davies : Experienced and recognized for her commitment to Initiatives Cœur, Samantha Davies is approaching her second Vendée Globe with the ambition of climbing to the top of the rankings. In 2009, she finished 4? on his IMOCA Roxy. For this edition, she is sailing with a new boat launched in 2022, which gives her the opportunity to demonstrate her potential and aspire to a place in the Top 5, or even better!
Nicolas Lunven : Double winner of the Solitaire du Figaro in 2009 and 2017, Nicolas Lunven is making his debut in the Vendée Globe, but with solid experience in offshore racing. In 2021, he won The Ocean Race Europe in the VO65 category. He will start on Holcim – PRB for this Vendée Globe, a very competitive boat, and could create a surprise during his first participation.
Paul Meilhat : Paul Meilhat is an experienced and talented sailor, with a track record that places him among the serious contenders for this edition of the Vendée Globe. Winner of the Route du Rhum in 2018 and IMOCA world champion in 2021, he also won the Rolex Fastnet Race and finished 2? of the Transat Jacques Vabre. His experience on IMOCA makes him a formidable competitor, ready to compete with the best.
So, who will put their name on the winners list for this 2024 Vendée Globe? Who will be the first to cross the finish line? At this stage, anything remains possible but we can't wait to find out.
