Denis Van Weynbergh, 57, is preparing to take on the ultimate challenge of the Vendée Globe, a race around the world without stopovers or assistance. A demanding race of 24,300 nautical miles, nicknamed “the Everest of the seas”, where he will be the second from his country to embark on this extraordinary adventure.
The Vendée Globe is often nicknamed “the Everest of the seas”. This sailing race, without stopovers or assistance, consists of a complete round-the-world trip, covering a theoretical course of 24,300 nautical miles (approximately 45,000 km).
In reality, skippers often cover nearly 52,000 km due to navigation constraints. The 2024 edition will bring together 40 competitors, including Denis Van Weynbergh, the only Belgian present this year.
“These people were completely crazy”
Denis Van Weynbergh, aged 57, is preparing to participate in the Vendée Globe for the first time. Originally from Ottignies, he becomes only the second Belgian to take on this monumental challenge.
“It’s quite a victory to be on the starting line, as if a Belgian 3rd division club were playing the Champions League“, he says.
In 2001, he completed his first races, he could not imagine finding himself one day in the Vendée Globe: “I told myself that these people were completely crazy, but it was still incredible. For twenty years, I have been thinking about it, and for a long time I was told that it was impossible for a Belgian to bring together the budget, the boat, the team… But precisely this difficulty motivated me.“
A double obstacle course
For Denis, the path was strewn with pitfalls: “It’s a real obstacle course on two fronts: first of all, financing, finding funds, partners, establishing commercial relationships and convincing them. Then there’s the on-water course, with a qualification process that began in 2021 and ends in June 2024.“
I was always told that in Belgium it was impossible
He also emphasizes that nautical culture is relatively underdeveloped in Belgium: “In England, France or even Spain, there is a real nautical culture, while in Belgium, very few of us practice this sport.“
“I was always told that in Belgium it was impossible. We often talk about glass ceilings, and that is precisely what is interesting for us: breaking down these barriers.“
For Denis Van Weynbergh, participating in the Vendée Globe is also a question of values: “Courage, taking initiative, the desire to step out of your comfort zone.”
The record to beat: 74 days
The Vendée Globe is “the longest sporting competition in the world“, with a duration that varies between 74 days and approximately 90 to 94 days. Armel Le Cléac’h holds the current record with a time of 74 days, 3 hours and 35 minutes.
For this edition, Denis Van Weynbergh will not be the only one to try his luck: at 23, Violette Dorange will be the youngest participant and one of the six women present at the start.
Jean Le Cam, 65 years old, will be the oldest competitor, a symbol since he himself trained the young Violette Dorange.
All the Vendée Globe boats are “IMOCA”, 60-foot (18.28 m) monohulls. Among the 40 boats at the start, 25 are equipped with foils, appendages allowing the hull to be lifted above the water, thus increasing the sailing speed.
The challenge awaiting Denis Van Weynbergh is immense, but the Ottawa resident is determined to surpass himself and prove that even what seems impossible can become reality.
Sport vendée globe nautical sailing denis van weynbergh
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