LES SABLES D'OLONNE, FRANCE - JANUARY 17, 2025 : Groupe Dubreuil skipper Sébastien Simon (FRA) is photographed in the channel after taking 3rd place in the Vendee Globe, on January 17, 2025 in Les Sables d'Olonne, France - (Photo by Vincent Curutchet / Alea)
After a thrilling and long-running duel with winner Charlie Dalin, the PAPREC ARKÉA skipper completed his first solo round the world race this morning at 0612 UTC, taking a superb second place after 65 days, 18 hours and 10 minutes at sea. It’s a remarkable achievement for a Vendée Globe first timer and a large, passionate crowd gathered to welcome Yoann back to Les Sables d’Olonne before dawn on a freezing winter’s morning.
His arrival symbolises the culmination of an extraordinary adventure and the crowds lining the legendary Les Sables d’Olonne channel exploded with joy and applause as the silhouette of the boat emerged. The sailor, smiling and visibly moved, greeted the crowd, savouring every moment of this celebration of his success and tenacity.
Yoann Richomme has left an indelible mark on the already storied history of the Vendée Globe. From the very first days of the race, back in November, he established himself as a formidable opponent, demonstrating mastery across the extraordinarily wide gamut of talents needed to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation.
A key strategic decision was his choice in the Indian Ocean to take the safe route around a giant low pressure system, while Charlie Dalin and Sébastien Simon opted for the direct route, through the centre of this dangerous system. This gamble, which he regretted after seeing his competitors emerge with a significant lead, pushed him to redouble his efforts. In the deep south, he adopted an impressive pace, repeatedly putting in remarkable performances in demanding and relentless conditions. This tenacity was rewarded when he rounded Cape Horn in the lead, with a 9 minutes and 30 second advantage over Charlie Dalin.
A thrilling game of cat and mouse followed, where the two sailors traded blows, as they competing for every mile of advantage until the unpredictable conditions of the cold front at Cape Frio, where Charlie managed to escape. Despite this, Yoann showed impressive fighting spirit to the last, maintaining constant pressure on his opponent.
A second place in his first participation in the Vendée Globe is proof of an exceptional sailor in the most demanding competition in the sporting world. By completing this loop around the planet 22 hours and 47 minutes after the winner, he has inscribed his name among the leading figures of this legendary race.
I’m very proud and I think of all the people who helped us, even before, the former sponsors. I’m wanting to share with them as well. It’s been an incredible adventure. We prepared really well. In my head I was ready, I hardly had to tinker, the boat is ready to go again!
A magical ascent of the channel
A large and passionate crowd gathered on the banks of the legendary Les Sables d’Olonne channel to welcome Yoann Richomme, whose arrival represents the culmination of an extraordinary adventure. The PAPREC ARKÉA skipper completed his first solo round the world race, taking a superb second place in a remarkable 65 days in a race that was defined by his long-lasting and thrilling duel with Charlie Dalin.
The crowds lining the legendary Les Sables d’Olonne channel exploded with joy and applause as the silhouette of his boat emerged. The sailor, smiling and visibly moved, greeted the crowd, savouring every moment of this celebration of his success and tenacity.
Race in figures
Arrival time (UTC)Wednesday 15 January 2025 at 06h12
Race time65j 18h 10min 02s
Difference from first22h 47min 13s
Yoann Richomme covered theoretical course of 23 906 miles at an average speed of 15.15 knots.
French skipper Sébastien Simon crossed the Vendée Globe finish line in third place at 00h27 (UTC) on Friday January 17, after 67 days, 12 hours and 25 minutes of racing, finishing 2 days and 17 hours behind the overall winner. It’s the first time a sailor from Les Sables d’Olonne, where the legendary solo round the world race starts and finishes has finished on the podium. The Groupe Dubreuil skipper’s race was marked by multiple challenges which contrasted sharply with moments of great success. He smashed the record for the greatest distance covered solo in 24 hours, setting a new mark at 615.33 miles. Breaking his starboard foil could have compromised his chances, yet he showed extraordinary determination to remain on the podium. Simon also distinguished himself with a bold tactical choice in the Indian Ocean depression, as did race winner Charlie Dalin.
He will now wait until 0700UTC for his passage up the famed Les Sables d’Olonne channel, when the public will celebrate this remarkable Vendéen sailor who, through dogged determination and perseverance, has added a compelling chapter to the story of a legendary race.
Race in figures
Arrival time (UTC)Friday 17 January 2025 at 00h27
Race time67d 12h 25min 37s
Difference from first2d 17h 02min 48s
Sébastien SIMON covered theoretical course of 23 906 miles at an average speed of 14.75 knots.