Skippers celebrate their arrival in the Vendée Arctique

The solo skippers of the second edition of the Vendée Arctique Les Sables have made it to port, and the public has greeted the skippers. There was a great ovation as they cheered all 20 sailors who returned to Les Sables d’Olonne. 

The winner of this year’s edition was Charlie Dalin (APIVIA) while second and third place went to Jérémie Beyou (CHARAL) and Thomas Ruyant (Linkedout) respectively. The crowd also cheered local skippers Manuel Cousin (SÉTIN Group) and Arnaud Boissières (La Mie Câline), both forced to retire. 

Cut short but intense

Friday June 17: Charlie Dalin passed through the Iceland gate and the race organization decided to make this gate, located at latitude 64º North, the finish line of the Vendée Arctique. This decision was made due to a big, active depression that spread over most of the course. 

As a result of this depression, most of the skippers found themselves in the middle of a storm, with gusts that went from 55 to 60kts. Charlie Dalin was confirmed winner, his second consecutive victory in the 2022 IMOCA season. Jérémie Beyou (Charal), who won the first edition in July 2020, took second place. Thomas Ruyant in LinkedOut completed the podium. 

“The Vendée is proud to have organized such an exceptional race, an extraordinary race, a preparation race for the Everest of the seas, the Vendée Globe which will take place in two years. We would like to thank the public, on behalf of all the fellow departamental advisers, on behalf of the Vendée in general.” -Alain Leboeuf, President of SAEM Vendée and of the Department of Vendée

Rookie surprise in the IMOCA class

Guirec Soudee (FREELANCE.COM), delivered an outstanding performance in the Vendée Arctique. The freshman in the IMOCA class is getting ready for the Vendée Globe, and after 45,000 miles he ended in sixth place in the Vendée Arctique - Les Sables d’Olonne.

As most focussed on the top three Benjamin Ferree (Monnoyeur - Duo for a Job) shocked avid observers as he sped up and held on the position tightly like a veteran. The same happened with Guirec Soudee who finished less than 20 mins apart from Louis Burton on Bureau Vallée.