The Everest of the Seas – Welcome to the Vendée Globe

11/04/24 • 51 min

Imagine being alone, confined to a boat no larger than 40 square meters, amid extreme weather conditions that test your endurance and psyche. You're at Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean—the most remote spot from land on the planet. Each moment is a surge of emotion: fear, loneliness, and passion for the sport. It's crazy. And it's called the Vendée Globe.

Join Offshore Sailor and Ocean Race Champion Charlie Enright, who guest-hosts our Loft 57 Podcast for five special-edition episodes focused on the Vendee Globe 2024, a solo, non-stop race around the world without assistance.

In Episode 1, Charles speaks with IMOCA Class President Antoine Mermod and Co-Manager for Sustainability and Partnerships at IMOCA Imogen Dinam Price. He also dives in with Dave Reed, editor of Sailing World Magazine, for an international perspective on this famed French race. Finally, Charlie checks in with a friend and former training partner, offshore sailor Pascal Bidegorry.

Previous Episode

Shaping the Future with the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup

The 37th America's Cup makes its mark in history by introducing the Women's America's Cup and elevating the Youth America's Cup. These two events sailed in the one design AC40, showcased optimism for a new era in Cup history, and paved the way for more women and up-and-coming talent to compete in the main event. In this episode, North Sails President Ken Read speaks with two team members of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli: Giulia Conti, helmswoman for the winning boat in the first-ever Puig Women's America's Cup, and Rocco Falcone, trimmer on board the Italian team's winning youth boat. Ken also sits with 470 World Champion and Olympic sailor Luise Wanser, trimmer with Women's AC Team Germany.
Ken and our guests dive into discussions on their experiences that led to their Cup appearances, what parents and the sailing community can do to support young sailors, and pose the question – is the future of fast, high-performance sailing on foils?
This episode is a must-listen for young sailors, parents, and all of us who support the next generation of talent in the America’s Cup and our sport.

Next Episode

The Journey to the Vendée Globe Start Line

The Vendée Globe solo round-the-world race is a monumental event in France, capturing the nation’s heart and drawing massive crowds, both shoreside and online. As the start of this year’s race approaches, the North Sails team is busy providing crucial last-minute support to the skippers, ensuring everything is in perfect order. Join North Sails and Loft 57 ‘s guest-host Charlie Enright as we delve into the preparation required to get to the start line of this prestigious offshore ocean race.

In this episode, we welcome Thomas Gaveriaux, CEO of TR Racing. TR Racing has two boats in the race, and they are not just aiming for victory but also promoting important social causes like cybersecurity and vulnerability. We also speak with North sail designer Max Tringale, who shares insights into how North 3Di technology enhances the versatility and durability of the IMOCA 60 sails. Additionally, Thomas Normand from North Sails France discusses the vital collaboration between sail designers, naval architects, and skippers, emphasizing the importance of adapting sails to meet the unique needs of each boat.