Congratulations Sébastien!

Sébastien Simon claims third place at the Vendée Globe 2024-2025: an exceptional achievement!

Ending his voyage around the world on 17th January at 01:27':37" (local time), Sébastien Simon has crossed the finish line of this ninth edition of the Vendée Globe, taking third place overall, with a lead of over 2000 nm over his pursuers. This marks a truly extraordinary achievement for the solo French sailor and SLAM ambassador, who distinguished himself in such a uniquely challenging competition alongside a record number of 40 participants taking part, 6 of whom have been forced to retire so far.

One race, three records

Simon not only achieved third place overall, but also wrote a page or two into the history of this legendary regatta by setting three new records:

Daily distance record: on 27th November 2024, aboard his IMOCA "Groupe Dubreuil", he managed to cover 615.33 nautical miles in just 24 hours, at the extraordinary average speed of 25.64 knots. This result surpasses the previous record, consolidating his position among the legends of ocean sailing.
Passing Cape Horn: Simon rounded the mythical Cape Horn in 44 days, 21 hours and 19 minutes, breaking the previous record, as set by Armel Le Cléac'h back in 2016. In this feat, Simon was joined by the two skippers ahead of him, who naturally also broke this record: Yoann Richomme rounded Cape Horn in 43 days, 11 hours and 25 minutes, followed by Charlie Dalin, just nine minutes later. Later on these positions reversed with Dalin taking the lead and claiming first place.
Circumnavigating the globe: Simon can now count himself among the stars of an edition that has rewritten Vendée Globe history. With a final time of 67 days 12h 25' 37", the French sailor has resoundingly broken Armel Le Cléac'h's record of 74 days, 3 hours and 35 minutes (2016/2017 edition) by 6 days, 9h. This result only confirms the peak technical and human level that has defined the participants in this 2024-2025 edition and the clear superiority of the foiling boats used.

67 Days 12H 25M 37S

Distance actually covered: 27 807.20 nautical miles
Actual average speed:17.16 knots

Gap to first: 2d 17h 02min 48s

Gap to previous: 1d 18h 15min 35s

A memorable comeback after a disappointing 2020

This third place represents an improtant moment of redemption for Sébastien Simon, who was forced to retire in the last edition due to injury. During this edition, however, Simon was able to maintain second and third place for a long period of time, demonstrating impressive consistency despite many difficulties, including the dramatic breakage of his right foil on 5th December.

Photo by Vincent Curutchet / Alea
(Photo by Jean-Marie Liot / Alea)
(Photo by Vincent Curutchet / Alea)

Congratulations Sébastien!

The Vendée Globe is an extreme challenge, one that pushes sailors and technology to the limit. With this podium finish and records broken, Sébastien Simon has written an indelible page in the history of ocean sailing. An inspiring achievement that proves that determination and talent can overcome any adversity. Bravo, Sébastien!

Author: ELENA GIOLAI/SLAM

"Thank you everyone for coming here so early in the morning. It really touches this beautiful reception that you've arranged for us. It's fabulous. Of course, I've got the feeling like I've just left yesterday. It's the same conditions as when we left. It's lovely weather. I forgot all the hard moments, more than I remember any good ones. It was a really fabulous regatta, and now I've only got one thing on my mind, and that's to prepare for the next race and to return to this race. I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who's allowed me to make this project a reality. Constance De Bruyne, I had a big accident, I lost a mast. My friend who helped me get on my feet, a team that gave everything for us to be on the start. And to have such a fast boat, to break the world record. My close, my family, who sacrificed so much so that I could follow my dreams. I'll say simply, all I wanted to do was finish the Vendée Globe. This is a huge achievement. You know, after having to abandon the last Vendée Globe, it was a hard challenge for me to come back. For sure, I broke a foil and had a few issues along the way, but we're really proud, and it's not just my result, this is everyone. My whole team, the sponsors, everyone who's joined us for this project. You've been spared nothing. The physical pain, the pain on the boat. Well, I only came third, but that's going to be my objective for sure. I really want to come back. I took a lot of pleasure from this race. There's always difficult moments. It's mechanical sports. We always have breakages and issues. But the art is to try and master the boat, master the project. I think we've had a beautiful success in this race. Yes, we've lost a few, but it's for all of my life. And again, I just want to reiterate that it's only strengthened my ambitions to be here in four years' time. And I'd love to win it. And my dream is to win it. I'm bought with the Vendée Globe. Year of the first Vendée Globe. I've grown up here. I've evolved with it. And today, it still makes me dream. My story isn't finished until I've won it."