VENDÉE GLOBE
SOLO, NON-STOP, WITHOUT ASSISTANCE,
AROUND THE WORLD
“I’ve completed several transatlantic races now, and to race around the world single-handed is the next big challenge that will not only push my personal boundaries, but also my ultimate goal to sail with renewable energy only.”
Phil Sharp
WORLD FIRST
Zero reliance on fossil fuels
Still today no one has raced around the world with zero fossil fuels aboard. To achieve this goal we have developed a clean energy system based on solar capture and clean hydrogen power thanks to our award winning innovation, the Genevos Hydrogen Power Module.
THE RACE: WHAT IT TAKES
One of the toughest undertakings for any human being
As an ocean racer you are not just a sailor, you are an electrician, rigger, sail maker, composites boat builder, IT specialist, navigator, meteorologist, and most of all you’re a personal manager.
Pushing both yourself and the boat 24/7 and sleeping in no more than 30 minute bursts at any time, half the success is in keeping yourself mentally and physically fit.
To finish a race it’s down to you, and you alone.
“Just to finish a Vendée Globe is a victory in itself, more people have been into space than have sailed solo, non-stop around the world…”
Phil Sharp
THE ROUTE
Competing in the Vendée Globe is a mammoth adventure which takes you through some of the world’s most hostile and isolated oceans. The course routes through the Southern Ocean, where skippers face the powerful winds of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties. The relentless Southern Ocean depressions consistently stream through one after the other, and 10 metre seas are not uncommon.
History
The first race of its kind was founded in England in 1968 and called the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. Britain’s Robin Knox-Johnston sailing aboard 32 foot Suhaili was the only entrant to complete the race in a time of 312 days, becoming the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world.
This first single-handed, non-stop and without assistance world race eventually led to the founding of the Vendée Globe in 1989.
The Boat: IMOCA 60
The IMOCA 60 is specifically designed to race around the world. Now foiling, the 60 ft monohulls are the fastest ocean racing boats today. To maximise on speed the boats are built using light, but strong composite materials ensuring they can withstand the worst conditions on the open seas.
Record Time
The record time to race around the world non-stop was re-set in 2016 by Armel Le Cléac’h aboard IMCOA 60 Banque Populaire VIII with a time of 74 days 3 hours 35 minutes and 46 seconds.
THE ROUTE
Competing in the Vendée Globe is a mammoth adventure which takes you through some of the world’s most hostile and isolated oceans. The course routes through the Southern Ocean, where skippers face the powerful winds of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties. The relentless Southern Ocean depressions consistently stream through one after the other, and 10 metre seas are not uncommon.
History
The first race of its kind was founded in England in 1968 and called the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. Britain’s Robin Knox-Johnston sailing aboard 32 foot Suhaili was the only entrant to complete the race in a time of 312 days, becoming the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world.
This first single-handed, non-stop and without assistance world race eventually led to the founding of the Vendée Globe in 1989.
The Boat: IMOCA 60
The IMOCA 60 is specifically designed to race around the world. Now foiling, the 60 ft monohulls are the fastest ocean racing boats today. To maximise on speed the boats are built using light, but strong composite materials ensuring they can withstand the worst conditions on the open seas.
Record Time
The record time to race around the world non-stop was re-set in 2016 by Armel Le Cléac’h aboard IMCOA 60 Banque Populaire VIII with a time of 74 days 3 hours 35 minutes and 46 seconds.
“A long race like this is about preparation, agility, problem solving and consistency. Everyday poses a new challenge and it’s about maintaining a positive attitude, treating problems and setbacks as opportunities, whilst avoiding complacency and never giving up.”
Phil Sharp
SUPPORT PHIL
THE CLEANTECH SKIPPER
Join Phil’s campaign OceansLab – Cleantech Accelerator and support in a unique mission to race around the globe in the world’s first hydrogen race yacht.
SUCCEEDING
Against all odds
Sharp’s reaction to the mainsail crisis, which would have undoubtedly aborted the race of lesser skipper, encapsulates his conduct throughout the entirety of the race: courageous, innovative, relentless.
The Telegraph
MULTIPLE CHAMPION
Zero race retirements
His results to date have earned him a place in the premier league, one of the most respected sailors on the circuit as well as one of the kings of the Class 40. So for Sharp the next step is obvious: the Vendée Globe.
Seahorse Magazine
RESULTS DRIVEN
The one you can count on
No matter what it takes to succeed he will be able to deliver. And it’s not just sheer will and talent, skills and preparedness that make the difference. Phil Sharp also airs this positivity and seemingly endless energy only true champions have. He is the one you can always count on.
Yacht Mag