Sailing-Vendee Globe sees record 11 nationalities set off from France

LES SABLES D’OLONNE, France - Forty intrepid skippers representing a record 11 nationalities and including six female competitors set off on the world's most challenging solo sailing race on Sunday as the 45,000-kilometre non-stop circumnavigation Vendee Globe got underway.

Under clear skies and with light winds of four to seven knots, the fleet departed from Les Sables d’Olonne in western France, cheered on by enormous crowds lining the iconic canal.

A favourite this year is Frenchman Charlie Dalin, the runner-up last year. "I'm in great shape and overjoyed to be here," he said. "Storm, zero knots... I'm taking it all in.

"I'm so happy to be going... I can't wait. Four years ago, there was nobody there because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Coming out of the channel with all the crowds is one of the most symbolic elements of the race and I'm very happy to experience that this year.

"I've got some revenge to take on the race. It wasn't far off last time: two hours and a bit out of 80 days at sea. I'm going to try to do better than last time."

The six female skippers equal the record set in the 2020-21 race.

Not everyone had a smooth start, with New Zealand’s Conrad Colman, aboard MS Amlin, struggling with a technical issue that delayed his start.

The race features its youngest-ever participant, 23-year-old Violette Dorange of France, who is making her debut in the gruelling contest. 

"Honestly, it's nothing but happiness," she said. "I'm so happy to be here. There are lots of emotions and I just want to enjoy it.

"D-Day is always a bit stressful but I'm storing up all the energy here for the difficult times ahead."

The day began with emotional farewells as sailors bid adieu to family and friends on the docks. They then navigated