With less than a week to go before the much-anticipated start of the 2024 Vendée Globe on 10 November (CEST), this iconic solo, non-stop round-the-world yacht race is already breaking records. From a record-breaking number of skippers to soaring attendance at the race village, the 2024 edition promises to be the most exciting yet.
Record-Breaking Participation and Global Appeal
The 2024 Vendée Globe has already set a new standard for participation, with an impressive 40 skippers at the start line. This marks a significant milestone for the race, showcasing the growing global interest in the event. With 11 nationalities represented, including Conrad Coleman for New Zealand, this edition has an even more international feel, compared to the 9 nationalities in the 2020 race. A total of 14 international skippers—more than a third of the fleet—illustrate the race’s expanding global reach, bringing together sailors from all corners of the world for this unparalleled adventure.
The diverse range of competitors ensures the level of competition will be higher than ever before, with sailors and their boats better prepared and more competitive than in previous years. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the 2024 race features some of the most talented sailors in the world, all aiming for glory in one of the toughest races on the planet.
Record Attendance at the Race Village
The excitement surrounding the race is not just limited to the skippers. The Vendée Globe race village, where fans can get up close to the boats and interact with the teams, has already seen remarkable numbers. In the first week of the village opening, over 360,000 visitors have attended—a 20% increase compared to the 2016 edition. Alain Leboeuf, president of the Vendée Globe and the Vendée Department, noted that this surge in attendance was an indication of the public’s undeniable enthusiasm after an eight-year wait for the next edition.
With such high demand, the organisers have had to significantly increase resources to accommodate the influx of fans, ensuring everyone has the chance to experience the excitement and energy of the Vendée Globe. The 2024 event is set to surpass the 2016 edition’s total of 1.15 million visitors over the entire start period, with these early figures suggesting a new record.
Rising International Media Coverage
As the race continues to gain in popularity, so too does its media coverage. In 2024, the live start of the Vendée Globe will be broadcast by 60 broadcasters, a 46% increase compared to the 41 broadcasters who covered the start in 2020. This expansion in coverage reflects the event’s growing status as a truly international spectacle. Of these broadcasters, 19 are French, while the remaining 41 come from all around the world, illustrating the global appetite for the race.
The increased media coverage will bring the thrills and challenges of the Vendée Globe to an even wider audience, making it more accessible to viewers who may not have previously followed the event. With more people tuning in from across the globe, the 2024 edition is expected to cement its place as one of the world’s premier sailing events.
Web Traffic and Virtual Engagement Surge
The digital footprint of the Vendée Globe has also seen impressive growth. Since the village opened, web traffic to the official website, vendeeglobe.org, has increased by 24% compared to the same period in 2020. This surge in online engagement reflects the growing interest in the race, with fans eagerly following the preparations, tracking the competitors, and immersing themselves in the world of the Vendée Globe.
In addition to the website, the official Virtual Regatta game has seen a 20% increase in player registrations compared to 2020. This online game allows fans to virtually race alongside the skippers, adding an interactive element to the event and further expanding the race’s global community.
A Diverse and Competitive Field of Skippers
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2024 Vendée Globe is the sheer diversity and competitiveness of the skippers. With 11 nationalities represented, this edition boasts the largest international field in the race’s history. From experienced French sailors to newcomers from countries such as Japan, China, and the United States, the 2024 Vendée Globe is a truly global event. The international representation reflects the race’s status as a human adventure on a global scale, bringing together sailors from all walks of life, united by their passion for the ocean and the thrill of the challenge.
The competition is set to be fierce, with the skippers better prepared than ever before. Advances in technology, training, and boat design have all contributed to raising the bar, ensuring that this year’s race will be as competitive as it is challenging. With no room for error, the skippers will face everything the Southern Ocean has to offer as they sail solo, without assistance, around the globe.
