overturned boat, extremis rescues… A look back at the exploits of the most dangerous race in the world

It is renowned for being the most difficult race: only 60% of the starters reached the finish. Three sailors even lost their lives. The Vendée Globe is a sporting institution. A sailor, alone facing the ocean… The race leaves engraved memories but can also leave some torment. At 65 years old, Jean Le Cam is participating for the sixth time.

He could have died there in 2009 after capsizing 370 kilometers from Cape Horn (Chile). “The boat was upside down”he remembers. For 19 hours, the navigator waited patiently in the cold. “I put on my survival suit so as not to die of hypothermia”says Jean Le Cam. He will finally be saved by Vincent Riou, one of his competitors. Because the race no longer counts when a sailor sends a distress call.

The 10th edition, which begins on Sunday, could also bring its share of cold sweats and surprises.

Watch the full report in the video above.