Sailing Into History: Vendée Globe's Female Skippers Share Their Stories

01/20/25 • 32 min

Our host, Charlie Enright, speaks with three female skippers competing in this edition of the Vendée Globe - frontrunner Justine Mettraux, and multi-race veterans Sam Davies and Pip Hare. These women are the best of the best and an inspiration for all young offshore sailors.

Over the years, the Vendée Globe skipper roster has included some of the best female offshore sailors in the game. And to be fair, to get to the start line of this level -solo, around the world, and without assistance- you have to be one the best offshore sailors in the world, period.

Isabelle Autissier and Catherine Chabaud blazed the trail by entering the 1996-1997 edition of the Vendée Globe. Chabaud claimed her place as the first female to conquer the “Everest of the Seas,” and the race has welcomed 12 women for a total of 15 starts since the race was launched in 1989. Six female skippers are participating in the Vendée Globe 2024-25. Sam Davies leads the charge as the most veteran race competitor, while Violette Dorange, at 23, is the youngest skipper ever, male or female, to participate in this storied race.

This episode of Loft 57 features Sam Davies, Pip Hare, and Justine Mettraux. When we published Episode 5, Mettraux was on track to be the fastest female to race a monohull around the planet, Davies was holding firm among the top 15, and Pip was speaking with us after a dismasting crushed her chance to complete the circumnavigation.

Previous Episode

Perseverance and Passion of Vendée Globe Competitors

At the time of recording, the Vendée Globe fleet was offshore for just a few days shy of two months, and our guests for this episode were in the home stretch. And by home stretch, we mean 4,000 nautical miles a trek across the Atlantic Ocean.

This episode features conversations with three Vendée Globe competitors- Conrad Colman, Nico Lunven, and Sam Goodchild. These sailors have a wealth of offshore experience, and each brings a unique perspective to the race. Get to know our guests before diving into Episode 4 of the Vendee Globe series of Loft 57.

Conrad Colman is a season offshore veteran using the Vendée Globe as a platform to promote sustainability. He describes the logistics of running a zero-emissions campaign, the diverse range of skills required, and what drives him to take on this ultimate solo sailing challenge.

Rising French offshore star Nico Lunven set a new 24-hour solo distance record early in the race. He may be a Vendée Globe rookie, but the Holcim PRB skipper is no stranger to success offshore. His credentials include two Solitaire du Figaro victories and three Volvo Ocean Race appearances. Lunven talks with Charlie about managing issues with his boat, maintaining a positive mindset, and his ambition to perform well despite the challenges ahead.

Sam Goodchild is a British sailor who has made a name for himself within the French offshore sailing scene. This is Goodchild’s first Vendée Globe, and he is having a fantastic race despite sailing in an older boat that is unforgiving in the Southern Ocean conditions. He calls in from what sounds like rough conditions and updates us on the mental and technical challenges of a 3-month long solo race and his goal of simply enjoying the experience.

Next Episode

Navigating Success with Winners and Innovators

In this thrilling final episode of the North Sails Vendée Globe special series, host Charlie Enright dives deep into the world of solo sailing with exclusive interviews. Hear from the Vendée Globe champion, Charlie Dalin, as he reflects on his groundbreaking victory and the challenges he overcame. North Sails President Ken Read shares his expert insights on the race's impact on the sailing world, while renowned boat architect Guillaume Verdier discusses the innovations driving modern sailing. This episode is packed with inspiring stories, expert analysis, and a celebration of the incredible achievements in the Vendée Globe. Whether you're a sailing enthusiast or new to the sport, this episode offers a captivating look at the dedication, skill, and innovation that define the world's toughest solo sailing race.