Par
Sebastien Bethune
Published on
Jan 17, 2025 at 7:15 a.m.
It's done ! Despite the adventures, the Sablais skipper Sébastien Simon is back home, in Les Sables-d'Olonne. He crossed the finish line this Friday January 17, 2025 at 1:30 a.m. and thus became the first Sablais in history to climb onto the podium!
Like Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme, Sablais shattered Armel Le Cléac'h's record (74 days, 3 hours and 35 minutes). The skipper of the Dubreuil Group will have put 67 days, 12 hours and 25 minutes and 37 seconds to complete his world tour.
The Vendéen should start its crossing of the channel on Friday January 17 at 8 a.m.
Long in the top three
Sébastien Simon will have experienced ups and downs during this Vendée Globe. Long in the leading trio, and sometimes even leader, the Vendéen held on. Third at the Cape of Good Hope, second at Cape Leeuwin, third at Cape Horn and third passing the Equator… Sébastien Simon spent his Vendée Globe at the forefront.
Despite his regularity, he, little by little, won by the duo Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa) – Charlie Dalin (Macif).
Indeed, unfortunately, December 7, 2024the Sablais lost his starboard foil and said goodbye to his hopes of victory. “ It's part of the game, it's a mechanical sport. Now it's about to stay focused and have fun », declared the skipper of the Dubreuil Group at the time of this incident.
With one less foil, Sébastien Simon, however, secures a magnificent third place, brought home.
He’s come a long way!
But above all, Sébastien Simon didn't let go in the head.He is a true competitor and has proven it once again.
-While he had to abandon the 2020 Vendée Globe, he also experienced difficulties in his preparation.
A little over a year ago, the Vendéen seriously injured his head during the transatlantic Return to Base.
Results : a concussion , an open wound where he installed staples himself and a fractured neckin three pieces. He never forgot this event, but managed to turn it into a strength. Mentally, the skipper was more ready than ever to go to the end of this Vendée Globe…
A boat not configured for solo racing
On top of that, Sébastien Simon didn't have the ideal boat. Very large, heavier than the others and with a cockpit not optimized for solo racing but rather adapted in the crew race. Which makes Sébastien Simon’s performance even more beautiful!
Arrived Tuesday January 14, Charlie Dalin wanted to pay a nice tribute to his opponent:
We knew Sébastien very well. He had a lot of difficulties four years ago, so it's great for him to come back with a boat that has fewer problems. And hats off to him for managing such a large cockpit.
Still present in Les Sables-d’Olonne, Charlie Dalin should be present on the pontoonsto welcome Sébastien Simon this Friday.
These moments, which he will experience at home in Sables-d'Olonne,promises to be simply unforgettable for the child of the country.
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