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8.Vendee Globe 2016/17
Start Les Sables d'Olonne
www.vendeeglobe.org/en - Übersicht
Friday 25 April 2014, 15:39
That very British touch
alle Vendeeraces seit 2000 bei SEGEL.DE
Without them, the Vendée Globe would not be quite the same. Since the event was created, fifteen British sailors, including three women have set sail from Les Sables-d’Olonne. They have made it to the podium on three occasions, but have still to win the race, but British skippers have certainly contributed to some of the most memorable moments in the non-stop solo round the world race. Joy and tears, amazing feats and some disasters too. The story is set to continue with new projects taking shape for the next edition. Here is the first in a series dedicated to the competitors, who come from abroad to compete in the Vendée Globe.
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Britische Vendeeskipper
© Mark Lloyd / DPPI / Vendée Globe
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In some circles, the Vendée Globe is seen as a uniquely French affair. If we look back in time that is clearly far from the truth however. In just the last four races, 43 % of the skippers were non-French in 2000, 35 % in 2004, 43 % in 2008 and 40 % in 2012. Not that bad for what is often referred to as a French event... Among the international competitors, the British have always featured heavily. The Vendée Globe would indeed lose much of its charm and excitement, if they were not present. We take a look at what happened in the past and look forward to the future.
15 skippers, three podium places, one man lost at sea
For the very first Vendée Globe, things didn’t get off to a good start with no British contenders lining up in 1989. Three years later however, two set sail from Les Sables-d’Olonne: Nigel Burgess and Alan Wynne-Thomas. But the race was soon hit by a tragedy, as four days after the start, Nigel Burgess was found drowned off Cape Finisterre, probably after being knocked out and tossed overboard. As for Alan Wynne-Thomas, he was forced to retire on medical grounds in Hobart (Tasmania). We had to wait until the 1996-97 edition for a British sailor to complete the solo round the world race. Pete Goss finished in fifth place after 126 days of sailing. Along the way, he rescued the French sailor Raphaël Dinelli, who had capsized in the Southern Ocean miles from anywhere… As for Tony Bullimore, he also capsized in these dangerous waters, but was rescued by the Australian rescue team.
The 2000-2001 race was a very memorable one for the British contingent, firstly with several competitors lining up, but also because of the presence of Ellen MacArthur, the youngest competitor to take part in the Vendée Globe (at the age of just 24). The tiny, yet determined sailor surprised many people by finishing in second place after 94 days, just 24 hours after the winner, Michel Desjoyeaux. Never has a British sailor come so close to winning the event. Mike Golding and Josh Hall came in respectively seventh and ninth in that same race. As for Richard Tolkien, he was forced to retire after suffering damage to his steering.
A Brit was back on the podium in 2004-05, when Mike Golding took third place finishing after Vincent Riou and Jean Le Cam. Conrad Humphreys completed his round the world race in seventh place, while Alex Thomson, on his first attempt at the Vendée Globe, was forced to throw in the towel in Cape Town, as a hole had opened up in his deck.
In 2008-09, no fewer than seven British competitors crossed the starting line: a record. In the wake of Ellen MacArthur, another woman stood out, not merely because of her racing prowess, but also because of her natural ability to convey her feelings to the public, as she sailed around the world. Fourth after 95 days at sea, Sam Davies lit up the race and was much appreciated by French fans. She was not alone, as Brian Thompson finished in fifth place, Dee Caffari sixth and Steve White eighth. However, Jonny Malbon, Mike Golding and Alex Thomson were less successful, as all three were forced to retire.
Arrivée Alex Thomson - HUGO BOSS
© Mark Lloyd / DPPI / Vendée Globe
Alex Thomson would gain his revenge in the following edition four years later, by making it to the podium behind François Gabart and Armel Le Cléac'h. There was huge disappointment for Sam Davies, whose boat was dismasted just a few days into the race. For his fourth Vendée Globe, Mike Golding finished in sixth place and as in 2005, just behind Jean Le Cam. With such a range of ecstasy and heartbreak, the 2012-13 race sums up what the Brits have given to the Vendée Globe.
Britannia not yet ruling the waves…
So we have seen that there is a rich history of British competitors in the Vendée Globe. However, the finest chapter still has to be written, as we are still waiting for a British victory in the Vendée Globe. While it is already certain that Alex Thomson will be back again for his fourth race in 2016, and that Mike Golding will not be taking part, there is still some uncertainty concerning the other potential British entrants. Sam Davies and Dee Caffari will be competing in the next crewed race around the world with stopovers, the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race with a 100% female crew (Team SCA), they both can imagine lining up again to sail around the world alone. That is the dream for Steve White too. He is currently looking for the funding required to take up this challenge. The same is true for Phil Sharp (32) and Sam Goodchild (24), who are aiming to line up for the first time in 2016. While they look forward to seeing their dream come true, the two youngsters are fighting it out in the Figaro circuit, which is an ideal springboard for them. Other sailors could well be joining them, as in Britain as in France, the Vendée Globe is seen as the pinnacle event.
The British competitors in numbers:
Fifteen sailors have set sail, including three women.
Eight have completed the race: Pete Goss, Ellen MacArthur, Mike Golding, Josh Hall, Conrad Humphreys, Sam Davies, Dee Caffari, Brian Thompson and Steve White.
Three podium places: Ellen MacArthur (2nd in 2000-01), Mike Golding (3rd in 2004-05) and Alex Thomson (3rd in 2008-09).
Record number of British entrants: Seven skippers en 2008-09.
The most experienced:
Mike Golding: Four Vendée Globe races, ranked three times (7th in 2000-01, 3rd in 2004-05, 6th in 2012-13).
Alex Thomson: Three Vendée Globe races, ranked once (3rd in 2012-13).
Olivier Bourbon / Mer & Media Agency
Skippers
> See Samantha Davies portrait
> See Mike Golding portrait
> See Alex Thomson portrait
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