While the winner of the Vendée Globe is already known, 3 sailors persevere in the southern seas to pass the legendary Cape Horn. Discover their testimonies and what remains to be accomplished to complete their world tour…
While Charlie Dalin, the big winner of the Vendée Globe 2024-2025, has already crossed the finish line in Les Sables-d'Olonne several days ago, shattering the record for the event, the race is still far from be over for all the skippers engaged in this solo round-the-world trip. Indeed, to this day, three navigators have still not passed the legendary Cape Horn, this obligatory passage at the southern tip of the American continent marking the entry into the Atlantic Ocean for the return to France.
Manuel Cousin, Fabrice Amedeo and Denis van Weynbergh, the diehards of the South Seas
These three sailors still racing in the Pacific Ocean are Manuel Cousin on “Groupe Sétin”, Fabrice Amedeo on board “Nexans-Art & Fenêtres” and Denis van Weynbergh on “Laboratoires de Biarritz”. They are considerably behind the leader of the race, by almost a month, Yoann Richomme having been the first to pass Cape Horn on December 23. They now hope to cross this emblematic crossing point in the coming days.
Manuel Cousin, in a hurry to put an end to the “Great South”
Manuel Cousin, Normandy skipper, is eager to leave these hostile latitudes where he has been battling for many weeks. His boat “Groupe Sétin”, a 2007 sailboat of the same generation as that of Amedeo, has just left the ice zone.
I can't wait to round Cape Horn, it will be a big relief. It was a bit like bowling with the icebergs. In our misfortune, with Fabrice [Amedeo] we have the chance to fight, it pulls us up.
Manuel Cousin, skipper of “Groupe Sétin”
His goal is now to complete his Vendée Globe in less than 103 days, the time he achieved 4 years ago with a 23rd place. A “crossing in pain” as he confides.
Fabrice Amedeo, focused on his own race
For his part, Fabrice Amedeo admits to having “achieved firsts in a long time”. This former journalist converted to ocean racing is taking part in his 2nd Vendée Globe but with a less efficient boat than during his first participation.
It's been a long time since I got the first ones. It's hurting yourself for nothing. It's like a guy who runs the marathon in 4 hours watching the Kenyans in 2h15. I am focusing on my race and my goal: to finish my 2nd Vendée Globe.
Fabrice Amedeo, skipper of “Nexans-Art & Fenêtres”
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The important thing is to finish the event and take advantage of this battle with Manuel Cousin who prevents him from giving up in these inhospitable seas.
Denis van Weynbergh, the “spectator of the match”
Red lantern of the race, the Belgian Denis van Weynbergh has let go of the ranking. At 58 years old, this business leader who embarked on the adventure with a small budget is already happy to participate and to be able to pursue his dream.
I feel like I'm in a football stadium, being a spectator and watching the match. I don't even have the impression of being the same sailor as the others, at least the first ones. It's another world.
Denis van Weynbergh, skipper of « Laboratoires de Biarritz »
With humility, he recognizes that he is sailing at a completely different level than the leading skippers. His only ambition is to finish his world tour, having sold his company in 2018 to embark on this crazy adventure.
These three courageous sailors deserve all our respect and admiration. In the shadow of the first, they hold on and pursue their dream: to complete this Vendée Globe, this solo round-the-world tour without assistance and without stopover which constantly pushes the limits of sailors and boats. As Denis van Weynbergh likes to remind us:
In a Vendée Globe, we know that we can be last, but not lose.
See you in a few days to celebrate their passage of Cape Horn, this long-awaited stage which will mark their entry into the last part of their incredible odyssey around the world. Until then, let's continue to support them and follow their progress, even if it takes place far from the spotlight.
