Vendée Globe Sets Sail: 40 Skippers Embark on Epic Solo Race

The world's toughest sailing race begins as competitors navigate 45,000 kilometers around the globe, facing extreme conditions and isolation.

Boris Herrmann, a prominent German sailor, starts his second Vendée Globe with a new high-tech yacht designed for harsh sea conditions.
The race, starting from Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, involves 34 men and 6 women from 11 countries, all aiming to complete the nonstop solo circumnavigation.
Known as the 'Mount Everest of the Seas,' the Vendée Globe challenges sailors with dangers like icebergs, storms, and the isolation of the Southern Ocean.
Historically dominated by French winners, the race sees Herrmann as a formidable contender, especially after his strong performance in 2020.
Despite the excitement, the race is fraught with risk, with up to a third of participants typically unable to finish due to the grueling conditions.