Download - Press Kit June 2012 English

Press kit

contents

(1) Presentation

(2) Skippers

(3) Historical

(4) Schedule

(5) Partners

(6) Press contacts list

(7) Vendée Globe contacts list

3

12

32

35

37

49

51

(1)presentation

4

19 competitors on the start line as of June 12

With nineteen competitors on the start line, the 2012-2013 edition of the Vendee Globe reveals its importance and its unique status in the world of offshore racing. With such an entrants list, the participation to this edition is, on average, comparable to the previous six editions.

With 3 weeks to go before the end of the pre-registration period, here is the confirmed entrants list:

• Jérémie BEYOU (France) on Maître CoQ

• Arnaud BOISSIERES (France) on AKENA Vérandas

• Louis BURTON (France) on Bureau Vallée

• Samantha DAVIES (Grande-Bretagne) on Savéol

• Bertrand de BROC (France) on Votre Nom Autour du Monde

• Tanguy de LAMOTTE (France) on Initiatives-cœur

• Kito de PAVANT (France) on Groupe Bel

• Alessandro di BENEDETTO (Italie-France) on Team Plastique

• Jean-Pierre DICK (France) on Virbac-Paprec 3

• François GABART (France) on MACIF

2012Vendée GlobeThe Vendée Globebrings togetherthe best skippersin solo sailing

(1) p

rese

ntat

ion

• Mike GOLDING (Grande-Bretagne) on GAMESA

• Marc GUILLEMOT (France) on Safran

• Jean LE CAM (France) on SynerCiel

• Armel LE CLEAC’H (France) on Banque Populaire

• Vincent RIOU (France) on PRB

• Javier SANSO (Espagne) on Acciona 100% EcoPowered

• Bernard STAMM (Suisse) on Cheminées Poujoulat

• Alex THOMSON (Grande-Bretagne) on Hugo Boss

• Dominique WAVRE (Suisse) on Mirabaud

5

(1) p

rese

ntat

ion

The new generation comes in force

The new generation of skippers will be very present in this Vendée Globe and willing to compete with the more experienced yachtsmen. François Gabart, 29, and Louis Burton, 27, will be the youngest competitors.

Most of the young skippers coming from the Figaro Class (Arnaud Boissières, Samantha Davies, Jérémie Beyou, Armel Le Cléac’h…) will doubtlessly be among the favourites as well. They are looking forward to sailing ahead of the stars of the previous generation, including 7 skippers with more than 3 round-the-world circumnavigations each, for a total of 37, as detailed below:

• Dominique Wavre (sailed around the world 9 times)

• Mike Golding (7 times),

• Alex Thomson (6 times),

• Bernard Stamm (4 times)

• Jean Le Cam (4 times) ou encore

• Jean-Pierre Dick, vainqueur de la Barcelone World Race et marin de l’année 2011 (4 times) et

• Marc Guillemot (3 times).

A strong international participation

The 2012 entrants list includes 7 skippers who are not French, confirming the Vendée Globe’s international dimension.

Many new sponsors

One of the specificities of the 2012 Vendée Globe is that it is bringing together a new generation of sponsors :

•Maître CoQ with Jérémie Béyou,

• Team Plastique with Alessandro di Benedetto,

• Gamesa with Mike Golding,

• Synerciel with Jean Le Cam,

• Acciona with Javier Sanso,

• Savéol with Samantha Davies

François Gabart Louis Burton Jean-Pierre DickDominique Wavre Mike Golding Alex Thomson Bernard Stamm Jean Le Cam Marc Guillemot

• MACIF with François Gabart,

• Banque Populaire with Armel Le Cléac’h

• Initiatives with Tanguy de Lamotte

• Bureau Vallée with Louis Burton

• EDM with Bertrand de Broc

6

(1) p

rese

ntat

ion

A larger village in les Sables d’Olonne, a better experience for the public

The Vendée Globe is a public asset, made for the public good. The race village expresses this will of maximum availability of the race, the boats and the skippers.

Back in 2008, the village had been one of the major elements explaining the public’s great interest, with more than 700,000 people coming to see the yachts. It was one of the Vendée Globe’s strengths.

The village will spread over more than 10,000 square metres and it will be one third larger than the previous one on order to accommodate more visitors. It will be open every day from 10AM to 8PM between October 20 and November 11.

A village focusing on the Vendée Globe and the seaThe landing stages will always be open so the public can see the Vendée Globe yachts up close.The race partners and the boats sponsors will have a strong presence in the Economic Area, with various activities organized in a 2,000 square-metre area.

A village that showcases the maritime world and the environment protection

The Vendée Globe is one of the greatest human adventures taking place on the world’s most beautiful oceans.

A 1,200 square-metre area dedicated to offshore racing and the sea will allow the young public to become more familiar with the Vendée Globe and the maritime world.

The focus will be on the protection of the environment through a discovery of the coral reef. The « Aquarium » Pavilion, co-operated with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation, will increase the public’s awareness of the importance of sea depths preservation through games and fun activities.

7

(1) p

rese

ntat

ion

The Vendée Globe is the perfect event to help children find out more about sailing.The Vendée General Council wishes to emphasize educational aspects through:

A new website: www.vendee-globe-junior.vendee.frwww.vendee-globe-junior.vendee.fr will be redesigned and running by September 2012. As a collection of educational resources, it will feature many new elements such as:• A link to a webcam feed to follow what is happening on the landing stages 3 weeks before the race starts• The possibility to download animated videos to be played on interactive white boards available in schools throughout Vendée.

More than 600 interactive white boards have already been set up in Vendée junior high schools. The availability of downloadable content is a French first.

A downloadable educational kitA new educational kit is currently being designed. All the documents it will feature (flashcards, boat posters, help to follow the race, documentaries on sailing, the Vendée Globe, the life of a skipper or yachts details on a USB stick) will be available on the following website: www.vendee-globe-junior.vendee.fr

Hundreds of requests coming from schools throughout France have already been received. Content will be updated by Vendée schools through reports that will allow children to have a clearer perception of the race.

The Junior Vendée Globe

8

(1) p

rese

ntat

ion

Vendée Globe 2.0The 2012 Vendée Globe will be available on many electronic devices so spectators can be part of the event 24/7.

Experience the Vendée Globe everywhere with as many people as possibleThe website of the 2012 edition (www.vendeeglobe.org) will be unveiled in September. Its design will be developed so it can be viewed on all types of device. For the first time in 7 editions, a Vendée Globe application will be available for smart phones and tablets (on AppStore and Android Market).

Social networks will broaden the horizon of the legendary single-handed race around the world:• Through our Facebook community• Thanks to our Twitter account• By syndicating the Twitter accounts of all the skippers on our website

Virtual Vendée Globe: targeting 500,000 • The goal is to have the amazing community developed throughout the previous edition reach 500,000 virtual skippers in 2013!• A one-week prologue will take place in October, with real skippers at the helm of their own yachts racing against the virtual skippers community!• Several new features await the « ame addicts»:- The possibility to play with a boat that is similar to the actual yachts competing in the race- The addition of the actual ice positioning to the virtual route

An image production system previously unseen on the Vendée Globe• A serious effort has been made in this 2012 edition in order to improve the daily experience of those following the race. An on-board image production system has been added.• Mostyachts will be equipped with a system allowing the shooting of HD images with 3 video cameras – 2 fixed and 1 mobile.• The race organisation will finance part of the cost of Défiboat, co-developed with our partner Sodebo and allowing the transmission of live video from the yachts.

A video channel and a TV studio at the race headquartersThe Vendée Globe will have its own video channel on the web and will broadcast all the footage sent by the skippers as well as all the content produced by the organization, including:• Live coverage of the start• 3-minute daily highlights

The race headquarters, located in Paris below the Montparnasse Tower, will be equipped with a real TV studio for the first time and will offer a series of emotional moments:• Daily radio talks will be shot and broadcast live from the HQ on the video channel• One weekly show will be taped live from the HQ for TV broadcasting• All the content broadcast by our channel will be made available to worldwide websites

Please note daily talks will take place in the Nautical Show at Porte de Versailles December 8 – 16, 2012.

• 13-minute weekly highlights• Live coverage of the winner’s finish

9

The Vendée Globe emphasizes the international distribution of its video content.Following its tradition of maximum openness to the world, the Vendée Globe is making all of its video content available to TV channels worldwide, free of charge and without any exclusivity.

For the first time in the race’s history, all the content produced by the organization will be available in three languages: French, English and Spanish.

By chosing ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation) to take care of its wide video distribution, the Vendée Globe is relying on a renowned expert – organizer of the Tour de France and the Paris-Dakar – to implement its TV coverage strategy in France and worldwide.

We can already announce images from the Vendée Globe will be seen in more than 100 countries.

The Vendée Globe in the spotlightThe Vendée Globe is gaining a new dimension as a feature film will be made about the race. Aimed at a general audience, the film will be produced thanks to Les Films du Cap and Gaumont. It will be released in November 2013.

A film about offshore racing featuring a unique cast« En Solitaire », the first feature film of Christophe Offenstein – lead camera operator of « Les Petits Mouchoirs », will tell the incredible fate of a yachtsman – French star François Cluzet - competing in his very first Vendée Globe. Everything has been made to ensure the film’s maximum availability to the public, including an amazing cast since French actors Guillaume Canet and Jean-Paul Rouve and Belgian actress

Virginie Efira will star in the film along with François Cluzet.

Shooting during the start in Les Sables d’OlonneShooting the film will take three months, from October to December 2012, and a part of it will take place on the Vendée Globe’s start day in les Sables d’Olonne. Needless to say, the skippers’ preparations and the race start process will not be disturbed by the shooting. Without spoiling the story, it is safe to say the film’s immersion in the heart of offshore racing is breathtakingly realistic.

November 2013 release« En Solitaire », a French, Belgian and Spanish co-production, will be distributed by Gaumont in France and will be released in November 2013. The DVD will be out in the 2014 winter. The film will first be on French TV in the fall of 2014 (Canal+) or 2015 (other channel).

François Cluzet, patron of the raceFrench actor François Cluzet, who is focused on preparing for his own special Vendée Globe, has accepted to be the patron of the race and he will therefore give the starting signal of the Vendée Globe on November 10 on board the French National Navy boat that will be used as start buoy.

(1) p

rese

ntat

ion

10

Race partnersWe are very proud of the high ambitions we have and hope to give the Vendée Globe a new dimension:• With a highly competitive entrants list• With an even more attractive, open and comprehensive race village• With an educational dimension that will appeal to children• With a new digital momentum allowing to surf on various technologies• With a true international ambition for TV and the internet• With an effort to develop on the silver screen as well as on the TV screen

These ambitions cannot become a reality without the addition of new partners in our organization.The SAEM Vendée has implemented a new marketing strategy in order to be able to welcome several new partners alongside its historic partners: Vendée General Council, Sodebo and the city of Les Sables d’Olonne.

(1) p

rese

ntat

ion

11

The following partners are joining us this year :

Official partner

Zodiac: An official supplier in 2008, Zodiac has become an official partner in 2012 by increasing its involvement within the organization, notably through the supplying of an important fleet of semi rigid boats used during the start and finish of the race.

Official suppliers

CCI de la Vendée: One of the historic partners of the Vendée Globe, financing the race and making its port equipment and staff available to the organization

Bodard: The Vendée modular construction specialist will build the media headquarters in Les Sables d’Olonne as well as the larger and more comfortable race headquarters in Paris.

CLS: These experts in spatial data analysis will allow, among other things, the localization of all the competing yachts as well as the changes in sea ice on the skippers’ routes.

Official services providers

Meteo France: Will be in charge of the Vendée Globe weather forecasts for the 7th time

MaxSea: A sailing software specialist, MaxSea will provide the race direction with the software they need to follow the skippers and their routes.

Vendée Tech: Will equip the organisation with solutions in office automation and reprography

AG2R La Mondiale: One of the most loyal partners in offshore sailing, they are the new healthcare partner of the race and will help Jean-Yves Chauve, the official and historic physician of the race, throughout the actions he will take.

Beneteau: The Vendée and world leader in pleasure boat construction will equip the organisation with its press motor launches.

Vicomte A: Is making its debut in the world of offshore racing and become the official clothing supplier of the Vendée Globe.

Many Players: Will develop our virtual game that should beat audience figure records.

The Vendée Globe is proud of its renewed partnership with the Maine-Montparnasse Tower property complex that will once again host the race headquarters in the lower part of the tower - Jean Tossan area - starting on November 11, 2012.

(1) p

rese

ntat

ion

(2)skippers

13

Jérémie BeyouMaître CoQ

Boat details• Former name: Foncia, Mapfre• Designer: Farr Yacht Design• Construction: CDK Technologies• Launch date: 2007• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.90 m• Draught: 4.50 m

• Displacement (weight): Not available• Centreboards: 2• Mast height: 28 m• Keel blade: Stainless steel• Sail area upwind: 300 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 620 sq metres

(2) S

kipp

ers

«These last few years have helped me clarify my ideas regarding the project I wanted to set up and how to match my ambitions with the resources required to satisfy them.» Jémérie Beyou.

PortraitJérémie Beyou is as upright and honest in his private life as he is in his professional one. He says straight out what he thinks, yet knows how to be unassuming and thoughtful. He shares strong family values and there is nothing he likes more than sharing memorable moments with his wife and children. Jérémie eagerly follows top-level sport, such as athletics, swimming, football, etc. His demanding nature and acute perfectionism drive him to surpass himself.

BackgroundA pure product of the Bay of Morlaix, Jérémie Beyou wore out his foul weather gear with the family on Optimists from a tender age. Trained at the Pôle France sailing centre in Brest, by the age of 18, he was already up with the winners of the French Espoir (hopefuls) Dinghy Championship. In 1995, when he was 19, he discovered the Beneteau Figaro. At the age of 20, he took part in his first Solitaire du Figaro. In 1998, he reached the Top Ten of the French Single-handed Offshore Racing Championship and has never left it since. In 2005, he outclassed all his contenders on the Figaro circuit. Meticulous, precise, unrelenting, he demonstrated the full extent of his talent by achieving something that had never happened before, a grand slam: Generali Solo, Route du Ponant and the Solitaire du Figaro, at the end of the final legendary leg snatching victory from Michel Desjoyeaux. From that moment on, it was only logical that Jérémie would want to show his talent in other races. In 2006, he convinced his sponsor to back him in the major single-handed sailing event; the Vendée Globe.

His first attempt single-handed round the world ended with him retiring off the coast of Brazil. Since this frustrating experience, Jérémie has continued to show his versatility and ability to evolve constantly at the highest level. The year 2011 was exceptional. Now twice-winner of the Solitaire, he won the Transat Jacques Vabre alongside Jean-Pierre Dick. However, his main goal is set off again for a second Vendée Globe in 2012, with the ambition of being well up front.

BoatWinner of the last the Vendée Globe and the Europa Race 2009 in the hands of her old skipper, Michel Desjoyeaux, this Bruce Farr plan is high-performing, sound, versatile and perfectly reliable. Jérémie Beyou knows this yacht inside out, having won with it the Europa Race 2009 and finished the Transat Jacques Vabre 4th, the same year. The technical takeover refit of this Imoca 60 foot yacht by Beyou and his team was essentially focussed on making her more reliable. She was christened by the well-known Alain Bernard in the colours of Maître CoQ on 13 May 2012.

Website : http://www.maitrecoq.fr/vendee-globe/accueil.html

J. Beyou notable wins and performances[ 35 years old ]2011 :• Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre with J-P Dick (Virbac – Paprec 3)• Winner of the Solitaire du Figaro (BPI)

2010 :• 7th in the Solitaire du Figaro (BPI)

2006 :• 8th in the Transat AG2R with V. Riou (Delta Dore)

2005 :• Winner of the Solitaire du Figaro (Delta Dore)• French Single-handed Offshore Racing Champion (Delta Dore)• ORMA World Champion (Banque Populaire)

2004 :• 3rd in the Solitaire du Figaro (Delta Dore)• 6th in the Transat AG2R with K. De Pavant (Delta Dore)

2003 :• 4th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with V. Riou (PRB)

2002 :• French Single-handed Offshore Racing Champion (Delta Dore)

Boat’s previous wins and performances2011 :• 2nd in the Barcelona World Race

2010 :• Douarnenez Grand Prix Winner

2009 :• Winner of the Vendée Globe (Foncia - M.Desjoyeaux)• Winner of the Europa Race• 4th in the Transat Jacques Vabre

2007 :• Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre• Winner of the SNSM Record• 3rd in the Transat B to B

14

PortraitArnaud Boissières received the nickname of «Cali» and was immediately welcomed in the world of offshore sailing. The half-sweet half-amused nickname says it all about how highly regarded the yachtsman is. Cali is funny, nice and open, he does not have a big mouth or a huge ego and all that, along with his availability, is appealing and comes as a reminder that you can be a very serious skipper without taking yourself too seriously. Still, Arnaud may be the ideal buddy, there is a lot more to him, as he is also a stubborn and ambitious skipper. He naturally likes to go for things and will never give up, like his 1999 Mini Transat experience shows. After dismasting, the French yachtsman had not only managed to save his boat after a stop in France but he had also finished the race across the Atlantic. With a circumnavigation, five transatlantic races and thousands of nautical miles of training, Boissières has become one of the most experienced skippers in the world.

BackgroundYachtsmen always wish they were sailing offshore yet not a day goes by without them talking about the waters on which they had their first sailing experiences. For Arnaud Boissières, these waters are in Arcachon and its well-known bay. Despite years spent all around the world, from La Rochelle to the French Antilles, Arnaud has kept a slight accent, an indelible yet discreet mark of the heaven-like place. The French skipper learnt offshore sailing from some of the best yachtsmen and women. It all started with Yves Parlier or Catherine Chabaud who trusted him with their own boats. Then Arnaud Boissières sailed with champions like Olivier de Kersauson - in his round-the-world record attempt - before making a name for himself. At the age of 36, on November 9, 2008, he crossed the start line of his very first Vendée Globe. Even though sailing specialists all agreed on how determined the Arcachon skipper was and how great his human qualities were, very few expected him to do so well. Boissières, who was virtually unknown from the public, finished seventh and soon became the favorite of the local and national media, who appreciated his good humor and his down-to-earth behavior.

BoatAKENA Vérandas is Vincent Riou’s former PRB, designed by Bruce Farr Yacht Design, as well as the sister ship of Foncia, winner of the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe. Purchased by AKENA Vérandas after Arnaud finished seventh in the last Vendée Globe, the powerful and efficient yacht was refurbished after the damage it had sustained during the rescue of Jean Le Cam in the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe.

Arnaud BoissièresAKENA Verandas

Boat details• Former name: PRB• Designer: Bruce Farr Yacht Design• Construction: CDK Technologies• Launch date: September 2006• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.85 m• Draught: 4.50 m

• Displacement (weight): 8.5 tons• Centreboards: 2• Mast height: 28.10 m• Keel blade: Steel• Sail area upwind: 300 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 500 sq metres

«With my new boat, the next Vendée Globe will be more about sports and less about adventure than the previous one. But even with such an efficient yacht, the well-known saying is still true: If you want to have a good Vendée Globe, first you need to finish it! My strategy will remain the same. I want to sail all the way to Les Sables d’Olonne, do better than last time and then prepare for the next Vendée Globe!» Arnaud Boissières.

Website : http://www.akenavoile.com

(2) l

Skip

pers

A. Boissières’ notable wins and performances:[ 39 years old ]

2011: • Transat Jacques Vabre: Dismasted and retired (with Gérald Véniard)• Holder of the new SNSM record (IMOCA class) with Gérald Véniard

2010:• 7th place in the Route du Rhum • 2nd place in the SNSM Record• 4th place of the Vendée Saint-Pétersbourg (on Région Aquitaine Port Médoc)

2009: • 7th place of the Transat Jacques Vabre (with Vincent Riou)• 7th place of the Vendée Globe

2008: • 7th place of the Artemis Transat

2007:• 10th place in the Calais Round Britain Race 2007• 9th place in the Transat Ecover B to B, qualifying for the Vendée Globe• 12th place in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2007 (avec J-P. Chomette)• 4th place in the SNSM Record

Other results: • Winner of the 2005 Route de l’Equateur (Open 50-foot boat)• Record of the Ireland Tour• 3 participations in the Solitaire du Figaro (2002, 2003 and 2004)• Member of Olivier de Kersauson’s crew on maxi trimaran Géronimo.• Participations in the Mini-Transat in 1999,

2000 and 2001 (3rd place)

Boat’s previous wins and performances :

2011: • Transat Jacques Vabre: dismasted and retired (with Gérald Véniard)• Holder of the new SNSM record (IMOCA class) with Gérald Véniard

2010:• 7th place in the Route du Rhum • 2nd place in the SNSM Record• 4th place of the Vendée Saint-Pétersbourg (on Région Aquitaine Port Médoc)

2009: • 7th place of the Transat Jacques Vabre (with Vincent Riou)

15

Louis BurtonBureau Vallée

Boat details• Previous name: Delta Dore• Designer: Farr Yacht Design• Construction: JMV Industries • Launch date: September 2006• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.85 m• Draught: 4.5 m

• Displacement (weight): 9.3 tons • Centreboards: 2• Mast height: 28 m• Keel blade: Carbon• Upwind sail area: 300 sq metres• Downwind sail area: 600 sq metres

(2) S

kipp

ers

«Really, the primary objective is to finish, not to get hurt, and to preserve the boat.» Louis Burton

Website : http://www.bureau-vallee.fr

PortraitYou would not think it, but without warning Louis Burton suddenly appeared in the world of offshore racing. This young Parisian businessman first cut his teeth outside sailing circles, and there is always something of a “Parisian kid” about Louis Burton; a touch of a swinger or a dandy, it all depends. However, make no mistake, this nonchalance and elegance hide an out-and-out pugnacity. For proof, following a collision with a trawler in mid-Atlantic during the Route du Rhum 2010, when he was only 25 years old, injured Louis continued the race at the helm of his Class 40. It was his first transatlantic race as it was for his sponsor Bureau Vallée, already at his side. Obviously the experience did not cure Louis Burton of his dreams of the ocean and adventures. He wanted to take things further, faster, and more intensely. Three transatlantic races later, here he is again leading the Bureau Vallée project for the Vendée Globe. At the age of 27, he will be the youngest skipper and will be backed up by a limited closely-knit team, which is based on family and close friends. Louis Burton is a caring man.

BackgroundLouis joined the Imoca Class by sailing on Jérémie Beyou’s old Delta Dore. His goal was none other than the Vendée Globe 2012. He started out in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2011, together with his brother, Nelson. Same voice, same look and only little difference in age, they were the juniors of the event. The race was tough. While the heavyweights of the class were forced to retire, the Burton duo carried on to Costa Rica, even appearing in the top three for a few days. Bureau Vallée’s skipper then returned to Europe single-handed, in the Transat B to B. Arriving in Lorient, Louis qulified for the Vendée Globe. His preparation then began, loyal to an idea of Michel Desjoyeaux, twice winner of the Vendée Globe, “that a race is primarily won ashore”. Louis is a company director in Paris. So, despite his youth, getting organized, tight schedules, clocking up kilometres are not strange to him. With these two hats he created the first offshore racing base in Saint Malo, BG Race, and his ambition is to welcome other projects within this brand new infrastructure. You cannot change your nature.

BoatSince returning after the Transat Jacques Vabre, Bureau Vallée has been given a refit in Saint Malo. After radical improvements, it will be launched again end June. In addition to its new all-yellow (with a little green) decoration, the monohull has lost weight. She is lighter and also more ergonomic. Her keel and sails are new, and her mast improved. The yacht is the old Delta Dore, a Farr plan built at JMV in 2006.

L. Burton’s notable wins and performances[ 26 years old ]2011:• 7th in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2011• 7th in the Transat B to B

2010:• 20th in the Route du Rhum• Winner of the Antipodes race

Others:• 5 participations in the Spi Ouest France• Best place: 8th (skipper/crew) • 5 participations in the Obelix Trophy • Best place: 4th (skipper/crew)• 5 participations in the Atlantic Trophy• Best place: 8th (skipper/crew)

Boat’s previous wins and performances2011:• 7th in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2011• 7th in the Transat B to B

2008:• Retired from the Vendée Globe (Jérémie Beyou) • 4th in the SNSM Trophy

2007:• Retired from the Barcelona World Race (Jérémie Beyou) • 4th in the Fastnet Race• 2nd in the SNSM Trophy• 2nd in the Calais Round Britain Race

16

SamanthaDaviesSavéol

Boat details•Former names: Sill 2, Veolia Environnement, Neutrogena• Designer: Marc Lombard• Construction: JMV Industries• Launch date: 2004• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.512 m

• Draught: 4.5 m• Displacement (weight) : 8.988 tons• Centreboards: Not available• Mast height: 27.5 m • Keel blade: Stainless steel• Sail area upwind: 306 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 591sq metres

(2) S

kipp

ers

S. Davi’s notable wins and performances [ 37 years old ]2012:• 2nd in the ArMen Race

2011:• 10th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with Gavignet

2010:• 4th in the Ag2r Transat with Attanasio« Yachtsman of the Year 2009 »

2009:• Women’s record of the British Isles and Ireland Tour

2008:• 4th in the Vendée Globe• Record of the British Isles and Ireland Tour

2007: • 5th in the Artemis Transat

2006:• 7th in the B to B Transat• 10th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with Jeanne Grégoire• Women’s record of the British Isles and Ireland Tour

2004:• 5th in the BPE Trophy

2003:• 10th in the offshore sailing French championships• 5th in the Ag2r Transat

2002:• 6th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with Moloney

Boat’s previous wins and performances2012:• 2nd in the ArMen Race

2011:• 5th in the Barcelona World Race

2009:• 6th in the Transat Jacques Vabre• 4th in the Istanbul Europa Race

2008:• Vendée Globe (retired)

2007:• Barcelona World Race (retired)

2006:• Winner of the Route du Rhum

2005:• Winner of the Calais Round Britain Race


« My goal is to do better than last time, which means finishing on the podium! But first I need to make it all the way to Les Sables d’Olonne and for that, I will have to remember what my own limits and the limits of my yacht are. » Samantha Davies

Website : http://www.samdavies.com

PortraitEven though she was unknown to the public before the last Vendée Globe, sailing specialists were familiar with Samantha Davies’ name, especially in Brittany, where she lives. Born in Great-Britain, « Sam » took advantage of her Saint-John College (Cambridge) training as an engineer and made sure there was not a sailing technique or technical element she could not deal with. Her great experience of the sea helped her become an offshore sailing figure to be reckoned with, but what made her become the public’s darling is a little something extra she has: Her joie de vivre, her happiness when she’s at sea and her natural charms. These characteristics, along with her composure and her sense of humour and of fun self-deprecation, have contributed to the popularity of the petite yachtswoman on the docks. She cannot help sharing her experiences and enthusiasm. There are not that many skippers happy to climb up the mast and go crazy listening to Girls just wanna have fun or to wear bikini at the helm! But « Pert Sam » will never prevent « Determined Sam » from reaching her main goal: Get the best results she can. She made that very clear when she finished third in the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe (She ended up 4th after Guillemot received a bonus because he had changed his route to rescue Eliès).

BackgroundSam owes her reputation to her rich experience on board various boats and she now has many races and records under her belt. The young Brit sailed on all the seas and never spends too much time on dry land. She seems to always been in a hurry and in order to sail even fatser, she founded her own business, « My Samantha Company », to find partners supporting her project. In the Ag2r Transat, she caught the attention of Savéol, who decided to sponsor her 2012-2013 Vendée Globe participation. The young mother will therefore have another opportunity to « rush to the finish line and leave as many yachts as possible behind! »

BoatSavéol has already competed in the Vendée Globe twice and clocked up countless nautical miles. Roland Jourdain won the 2006 Route du Rhum with her when she was still called Véolia and Hermann and Breymaier finished 5th in the 2010-2011 Barcelona World Race (Neutrogena). Since then, the monohull underwent partial reconstruction work carried out by Juan Yacht Desing.

17

Bertrand de BrocVotre Nom autour du Monde

Boat details• Former name: Brit Air• Designer: Groupe Finot Conq• Construction: Multiplast (Vannes) • Launch date: July 2007• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.90 m• Draught: 4.50 m

• Displacement (weight): 8 tons• Centreboards: Not available• Mast height: 29.7 m• Keel blade: Not available• Sail area upwind: 300 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 600 sq metres

«In each edition, there are a couple of competitors who do great when no one was expecting them to. I’d like to be one of those! I have some unfinished business in the Vendée Globe because I have never crossed the Sables d’Olonne finish line. I was doing well every time and with some more luck and extra preparation, I could have been on the podium twice. “Votre Nom autour du Monde” (Your name around the World) will be ready on November 10 and I intend to tell a great story throughout these three months of sailing. Let’s not forget that, above all, I am a competitor. » Bertrand de Broc

(2) S

kipp

ers

PortraitAs a charismatic figure in the world of sailing, Bertrand de Broc is particularly liked among the public, the media and the offshore racing specialists. At 51, the skipper who is known for having stitched up his own tongue during the 1992 Vendée Globe is now ready for the next step of his « Votre Nom autour du Monde » project. This was initially an innovative operation aiming at finding funds to compete in the 1996 Vendée Globe by offering companies and individuals to have their name written on the boat’s hull and to sail them around the world. It worked very well back then and the operation is back again for the 2012 Vendée Globe!

BackgroundBetrand de Broc has sailed on all the oceans of the globe in solo, with a co-skipper or with a crew. Even though there is no boat class or regatta the French skipper refused to try, nothing has fascinated him more than the Vendée Globe. In 1992, after sustaining a tongue injury, he had to retire because of a damaged keel as he was a serious podium contender. Four years later, he engaged in a quest for sponsors and came up with a simple idea: Find a multitude of people and professionals willing to invest smaller amounts of money and offer them to have their name on the hull of his yacht. Bertrand won the challenge and competed at the helm of his « Votre Nom autour du Monde ». But two days before crossing the finish line, he lost his keel. Bertrand de Broc then decided to take a break from the IMOCA class, focused on multihulls and eventually gave them up, finding the racing conditions too extreme. A perfect opportunity to come back on this 7th edition and become an « Everest of the Seas » finisher before moving on to another type of round-the-world adventure, this time with a crew.

BoatBetrand de Broc will cross the start line of the 2012 Vendée Globe on board Armel Le Cleac’h’s former Brit Air. With the boat’s amazing record that shows how technically efficient she can be, De Broc hopes to follow in the steps of the yacht’s previous skipper and single-handedly take the 60-foot monohull around the world.

Website : http://www.bertrand-de-broc.fr

B. de Broc’s notable wins and performances[ 51 years old ]

2010:• 3rd in the Ag2r Transat

2007:• 5th in the Transat Jacques Vabre

2005:• 3rd in the Transat Jacques Vabre

2004:• Winner of the Tour de France à la Voile

2002:• Route du Rhum (did not finish)

2000:• 2nd in the Ag2r Transat


1997:• Vendée Globe (did not finish)

1994:• 2nd in the Ag2r Transat

1993:• Vendée Globe (did not finish)

1990:• Route du Rhum (did not finish)

Other results:• 13 participations in the Solitaire du Figaro

Boat’s previous wins and performances2011:• 3rd in the Transat Jacques Vabre

2010:• 2nd in the Route du Rhum

2009: • 2nd in the Vendée Globe

2008:• 2nd in the Artémis Transat


18

Tanguy de LamotteInitiatives-cœur

Boat details• Former names: Whirlpool, Tiscali, Proform, Le Pingouin• Designer: Marc Lombard• Construction: MAG France• Launch date: 1998• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.30 m

• Draught: 4.50 m• Displacement (weight): about 9 tons• Centreboards: 2• Mast height: 29 m• Keel blade: Mechanically welded steel• Sail area upwind: 260 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 580 sq metres

« I’m more than aware of how incredibly lucky I am to be given the opportunity to compete in this amazing race. I try to enjoy it every single day so I don’t have anything to regret and I can sail all the way to the end of this adventure...» Tanguy de Lamotte

PortraitIn addition to being a skipper, Tanguy is a boat designer and builder and he is proud of wearing these three hats. He has not always been a sailing enthusiast. Unlike other skippers, he did not grow up in the world of sailing but loved judo as a child instead. That is why, besides some recreational sailing during summer vacations spent in Brittany, young Tanguy did not spend much time on a boat.

But at the age of 15, two consecutive cervical vertebrae injuries forced him to give up judo. In the same period, he caught the sailing virus after participating in a high-school competition.

BackgroundAfter graduating in 1997, he went to Southampton to study naval architecture. He met a several key people there who turned out to be crucial for his career: Ellen Mac Arthur, Brian Thompson, Nick Moloney… What have they in common? They all chose to compete in the Vendee Globe after sailing in the Mini Class. Tanguy helped them prepare their respective boats for the epic race, secretly hoping to design and build his own Mini 6.50 and cross the Atlantic alone on it one day.

His dream came true in 2002 with the launch of the yacht on which he competed in the 2005 Mini Transat, finishing 7th. What Tanguy finds truly interesting is the technical side of such projects, as well as the boat design of course.

That is why he joined the Simon Rogers yacht design company, where he designed the class40 boat on which he still sails and performs well, like when he won the first edition of the Solidaire du Chocolat. In 2012, he competed again in that race as the defending champion, sailing to Mexico to hopefully forget about the disappointing end of 2011, when the French skipper had had to retire in the Transat Jacques Vabre because of a damaged keel.

BoatTanguy De Lamotte recently bought the monohull formerly known as Whirlpool, an open 60-foot prototype built in 1998 for yachtswoman Catherine Chabaud, who competed in the 2000-2001 Vendée Globe. That older generation yacht still has great potential after undergoing serious renovation work for several weeks in the Mer Agitée shipyard. Tanguy and his team worked extremely hard and they were advised and assisted by Michel Desjoyeaux’s team in Port La Forêt, Finistère, France. From the bottom of the keel to the top of the mast, each important part of the boat has been x-rayed.

(2) S

kipp

ers

Website : http://www.tanguydelamotte.com

T. de Lamotte’s notable wins and performances:[ 34 years old ]

2012:• 7th place in the Solidaire du Chocolat (with Jean Galfione)

2011:• Transat Jacques Vabre (retired because of a damaged keel)• Winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race• Winner of the Normandy Channel Race with Sébastien Audigane

2010:• 14th place in the Route du Rhum

2009:• Winner of the Solidaire du Chocolat• Winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race• 3rd place in the Transmanche Express

2008:• Winner of the Class 40 World Championships• Winner of Marblehead - Halifax• 3rd place in the Québec -St Malo Transat

2006:• Winner of the Demi-Clé Open• 5th place in the Mini Fastnet

2005:• 7th place in the 6.50 Transat• Record of the Mediterranean Sea crossing on ORANGE 2• 3rd place in the Demi- Clé Open• 2nd place in the Mini Pavois• 2nd of the 6.50 Select

Other results:• 7th place in the 2004 Mini Fastnet• 5th place in the 2003 TransGascogne • 3rd place of the 2003 Demi- Clé Open• 1st place in the 2002 Sydney - Hobart• 1st place in the 2001 Roma per due

Boat’s previous wins and performances :

2011:• Winner of the Vélux Ocean Race

2006:• 16th in the Route du Rhum

2005:• 6th in the Transat Jacques Vabre• Vendée Globe (retired)

2003:• 3rd in the Around Alone


2000:• 12th in the English Transat

1999:• 2nd in the Transat Jacques Vabre

19

PortraitHis kid sister just could not pronounce «Christophe» properly so his name became Kito and it remained for the rest of his life. And what a life! Kito came back to «competitive» sailing as he was about to turn forty but he had always been like a free travelling bird. Kito is an adventurer and a nature-loving jack of all trades who discovered the joy of sailing on a wooden optimist dinghy built by his father.

BackgroundAt the age of 17, he became France’s national Mini-Tonner champion and his passion for regatta grew even stronger. Two years later, he sailed across the Atlantic for the first time on the family catamaran «Rackam le rouge». After exploring Martinique equipped with a sextant only, he went on with his discovery of wild areas by sailing on Lake Tanganyika before crossing the Indian Ocean, the Pacific, the Red Sea, the China Sea…

Then came a twist of fate in 1996: The Grau du Roi fishermen were looking for a skipper to compete in the 1997 Fishing Ports Challenge and though about Kito and his unique background to represent them in the competition. De Pavant had been living for ten years in Port Camargue, near the Espiguette beach, between two yacht deliveries to the Antilles. He accepted the offer and then started competing in the Figaro class, a demanding category than changed his life as a yachtsman when he won the 2002 Solitaire du Figaro. In 2005, Kito sailed around the globe on Bel, won races and continued with the contruction of a 60-foot yacht, Groupe Bel, launched in September 2007. Since then, the smile of The Laughing Cow® has been by his side all around the world!

BoatKito did not want to follow the current trend of powerful and wide yachts that are heavier and more difficult to drive single-handedly. He wanted a boat that would be light, easy and reactive at the helm. Groupe Bel was designed by Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prévost Yacht Design, specialising in multihulls, with the help of Guillaume Verdier, who is very familiar with Vendée Globe yachts. Their search for lightness went really far and took them in very interesting directions. The boat’s look never goes unnoticed and kids just love it. The monohull shows Groupe Bel as is it: a leader with a strong personality flying the colors of The Laughing Cow, which everybody loves.

Kito de PavantGroupe Bel

Caractéristiques du bateau• Designers: Van Peteghem Lauriot Prevost Yacht Design & Guillaume Verdier• Construction: Indiana Yachting (Scarlino, Italy)• Launch date: 2007• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.50 m• Draught: 4.50 m

• Displacement (weight): 8 tons• Centreboards: 2• Mast height: 27.50 m• Keel blade: Carbon• Sail area upwind: 320 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 695 sq metres

«The young skippers are coming up and you need to be physically prepared to compete with them. We still have a lot of work to do, on the boat and on the guy who’s on it (laughter). It is all a lot of fun but also a lot of work for the entire team that I have to coordinate. It’s extremely rewarding when all goes well but also very frustrating when we face issues. How complicated it is to prepare and succeed in that damn Vendée Globe! (laughter)» Kito de Pavant.

(2) S

kipp

ers

Website: http://www.sharingsmilestour.com

K. de Pavant’s notable wins and performances[ 51 years old ]2011:• 5th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with Y.Régniau• Barcelona World Race (retired)

2010:• Route du Rhum (retired)• 9th in the Solitaire du Figaro

2009:• 2nd in the Transat Jacques Vabre• 2nd in the Istanbul Europa Race • Mediterranean solo record (1d,21h20’29)

2008:• Vendée Globe (retired) • 1st in the Brittany Ferries 1,000 miles with B.Jourdren

2007:• 2nd in the Transat B to B• 6th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with S.Col

2006:• Winner of the Solo Méditerranée• Winner of the Transat Ag2r with P.d’Ali

2003:• Winner of the Tour de France

2002:• Winner of the Solitaire du Figaro

Boat’s previous wins and performances2011:• 5th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with Y.Régniau• Barcelona World Race (retired)

2010:• Route du Rhum (retired)

2009:• 2nd in the Transat Jacques Vabre• 2nd in the Istanbul Europa Race • Mediterranean solo record (1d,21h20’29)

2008:• Vendée Globe (retired) • 1st in the Brittany Ferries 1,000 miles with B.Jourdren

2007:• 2nd in the Transat B to B• 6th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with S.Col

20

Alessandro Di BenedettoTeam Plastique

Boat details• Former names: Sodebo, VMI, Akena Vérandas• Designer: Finot-Conq• Construction: Kirié• Launch date: 1998• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.40 m• Draught: 4.50 m

• Displacement (weight): 8.4 tons• Centerboards: Central• Mast height: 27 m• Keel blade: Not available• Sail area upwind: Not available• Sail area downwind: Not available

«I won’t go for the first place but still, I’m going to push the boat hard every time it’s needed so I can stay in the race. But the priority remains to finish the race.» Alessandro Di Benedetto

(2) S

kipp

ers

Website : http://www.teamplastique-voile.com

PortraitAlessandro Di Benedetto, a French-Italian yachtsman born in 1971, is not like any other skipper. He graduated from the University of Palermo and, as an underwater archeology operator, he has also worked as a geologist in the oil sector. Alessandro has been introduced to sailing by his parents when he was 6. « I can still remember the sailing stories they told me back then. They were self-taught and first sailed from Fiumicino to Sicily on a small dinghy, from one port to another and facing serious storms equipped with nothing more than a simple roadmap. »Di Benedetto is not a real lonesome yachtsman. He speaks four languages and loves anything that has to do with communication. In order to share his story, he even wrote a book about his adventure, « Around the world on a 6.50-meter boat ».

BackgroundIn 1992, he took the helm of his first sport catamaran with his father to sail from Sicily to Martinique. Other single-handed Atlantic Ocean crossings will follow in 2001, 2002 and 2006.In 2010, he sailed around the world non-stop, solo and without any assistance on a 6.5-meter yacht – a real cockleshell in the middle of the ocean - following the Vendée Globe route. He dismasted just before reaching Cape Horn but still did not give up and built a makeshift mast that allowed him to reach Les Sables d’Olonne after 268 days at sea. That was a world first as the yacht was the smallest to have sailed around the world non-stop through the three capes and without assistance. The greatest skippers in the world were in awe, as Yves Parlier then explained: « No man had ever sailed around the world in such a small boat. Alessandro’s courage, perseverance and boldness are as big as the oceans he has sailed on.»Because he loves challenges, the French-Italian skipper dreamed of a « true Vendée Globe » on a 60-foot yacht. Thanks to Team Plastique, that dream has now come true. « I’m participating because I want to race, but also because I want to share this adventure with as many people as possible, like school children for example, and express messages of peace and environment preservation », he says. His feet may be on dry land but his mind is obviously still travelling…

BoatThe Team Plastique monohull (formerly known as Sodebo, VMI and Akena Vérandas) was launched in 1998 and this year is not her first Vendée Globe attempt. Coville (6th in 2000-2001), Josse (5th in 2004-2005) and Boissières (7th in 2008-2009) have successfully taken her around the world in the « Everest of the seas ». Alessandro will therefore be on the start line with a recently refurbished brand new boat.

A. Di Benedetto notable wins and performances[ 41 years old]

2010:• Single-handed, non-stop circumnavigation without assistance on a 6.50 m yacht for the first time in the history of world sailing, as ratified by the WSSRC and the ISAF

2006:• Single-handed, non-stop Pacific Ocean crossing from Yokohama (JAP) to San Francisco (USA) without assistance on a sport catamaran for the first time in the history of world sailing, as ratified by the WSSRC and the ISAF

2002:• Single-handed, non-stop Atlantic Ocean crossing from La Palmas (Canaries) to Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) without assistance on a sport catamaran for the first time in the history of world sailing, as ratified by the WSSRC and the ISAF

Boat’s previous wins and performances

2009:• 7th in the Vendée Globe (AKENA Vérandas - A.Boissières)

2005:• 5th in the Vendée Globe (VMI – S.Josse)

2004:• 8th in the Transat (VMI – S.Josse)• 5th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with Autissier (VMI – S.Josse)

2001:• 6th in the Vendée Globe (Sodébo – T.Coville)

1999:• Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre with Jan (Sodébo – T.Coville)

1998:• 12th in the Route du Rhum (Sodébo – R.Dinelli)

21

Jean-PierreDickVirbac-Paprec 3

Caractéristiques du bateau• Designers: Van Peteghem Lauriot Prevost & Guillaume Verdier architects• Construction: Cookson Boats (New Zealand) • Launch date: 2010• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.70 m• Draught: 4.50 m

• Displacement (weight): 7.8 tons• Centreboards: 2• Mast height: 29 m (wing mast) • Keel blade: Steel• Sail area upwind: 300 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 590 sq metres

«The Vendée Globe means a lot to me. It is part of my life. I chose to change my life to take part in this race. After taking part twice, I’m hooked and now I want to win.» Jean-Pierre Dick

(2) S

kipp

ers

PortraitThe gentleman skipper, as he is called by Loïck Peyron, comes from Nice. Trained as a veterinary surgeon and with a 3rd-cycle HEC degree, JP has a background that did not suggest a future sailing the seas. Yet, at the age of 36, this experienced sailor decided to change his life and devote himself to his passion for offshore sailing. Jean-Pierre Dick is a man of challenges. In 2002 he took on a considerable one, taking part in a single-handed, unaided, non-stop round-the-world. A fighter, tenacious, ambitious, and an unusual character, he devoted himself to his new life as an all-out sailor.

BackgroundAfter his first win in the Transat Jacques Vabre (with Nicolas Abiven), JP took to the starting line of the Vendée Globe 2004-2005. His dream came true. A real “DIYer” despite himself (boom broken and repaired, energy problem obliging him to continue the remaining three quarters of the round-the-world on solar energy), he completed his first round-the-world in sixth position. The skipper of Virbac-Paprec 3 then had a succession of victories with two new Transat Jacques Vabre races (2005 and 2011), and two wins in the Barcelona World Race (2008 and 2011). During the last Vendée Globe, as he was leading the race, a collision with a UFO broke his rudders. Despite his attempts to repair them, JP had to resign himself to abandoning. Following his many victories in 2011, he earned the recognition of his peers and was elected Sailor of the year. This title represents the culmination of a dream for the Skipper from the French Riviera. This year, the Imoca 60 skipper has clocked up an impressive number of nautical miles and is more determined than ever to win renown in the Vendée Globe 2012. No doubt this will be his last time taking part, since this man of challenges will then sail the oceans he loves so much on three hulls.

BoatPerfectionist and anxious to sail in phase with his boats, JP designed an innovative monohull together with the architects, VPLP-Verdier, and his design team with a view to taking part in the Vendée Globe. Virbac-Paprec 3 was launched in May 2010, giving them time to test it two years before the final event. As with the first two monohulls, the design team innovated again and the VPLP Verdier plans mark a radical break with the two previous monohulls skippered by him.

Website : http://www.jpdick.com

J.P. Dick’s notable wins and performances[ 46 years old ]

2011:• Elected Sailor of the year• Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre (with J.Beyou)• Winner of the Barcelona World Race (with L.Peyron)


2008:• Winner of the Barcelona World Race (with D.Foxall)

2006:• 3rd in the Route du Rhum

2005:• Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre (with L.Peyron)• 6th in the Vendée Globe

2003:• Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre (with N.Abiven)



2011:• Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre (with J.Beyou)• 2nd in the Fastnet Race • Winner of the Barcelona World Race (with L.Peyron)


22

PortraitGabart became a professional skipper in 2008 and is seen as one of the most gifted yachtsmen of his generation.

Born in the Charente region, François Gabart studied engineering in Lyon’s INSA school but he knew his heart belonged to the offshore sea. At the age of seven, his family had taken him on a sailing sabbatical to Canary Islands, Cape Verde, the French Antilles, the United States and back, an experience that left its mark.

BackgroundFrançois first built his reputation as a solid regatta specialist (12 years at a high level including an Olympiad on Tornado), winning several international titles. Simultaneously studying to become an engineer and sailing at international level was extremely difficult for the young yachtsman but he never even considered giving up.

François is well-organised, smiling, calm and nice and he approaches his job with a scientific strictness. Yet once he is at sea, he definitely enjoys racing with great enthusiasm! After only two years spent sailing in the Figaro Bénéteau class, he won his first races. Voted “most talented young in Brittany”, he was the best “rookie” in the 2008 Solitaire du Figaro 2008, also finishing 3rd of the 2008 Cap Istanbul race and 3rd in the 2009 BPE Transat! In October 2009, he won the MACIF skipper trial and won recognition in 2010 after a second-place finish behind Armel Le Cléac’h in the Solitaire du Figaro, a win in the WOW Cap Istanbul and an offshore sailing French national champion title!

BoatFrançois Gabart will have the privilege to be on the start line of his first Vendée Globe on a recent and efficient boat. With a design similar to Michel Desjoyeaux’s former Foncia’s, this particularly light boat could surprise other skippers around the world with its ambitious goals and its important resources.

François GabartMacif

Caractéristiques du bateau• Designer: VPLP / Verdier• Construction: CDK Technologies / Mer Agitée• Launch date: August 16, 2011• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.70 m• Draught: 4.50 m• Displacement (weight): 7.7 tons

• Centreboards: 2• Mast height: 29 m• Keel blade: mechanically welded• Sail area upwind: 340 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 570 sq metres

« You don’t have that many people who, at 29, can say they make a living out of their passion. But sailing is a sport of experience and when it comes to that, my age is not an asset at all. On the other hand, I may be fresher and have more willpower than some more experienced skippers. But that extra experience I’m missing, I think I’m probably going to catch up on it faster and sooner than others because I started sailing in big races quite early. And that is an advantage for sure. » François Gabart.

(2) S

kipp

ers

Website : http://www.macifcourseaularge.com

F. Gabart’s notable wins performances[ 29 years old ]2012:• 2nd in the Europa Warm’Up

2011:• Winner of the B to B Transat• 4th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with S.Col• Participated in the Barcelona World Race with M.Desjoyeaux

2010:• Solo offshore sailing French champion • 1st in the Cap Istanbul race • 2nd in the Solitaire du Figaro

2009:• Winner of the 2010 MACIF skipper trial • 2nd in the Transat Jacques Vabre with K.de Pavant• 13th in the Solitaire du Figaro

2008:• 3rd in the Cap Istanbul race in Figaro Solo• 1st in the Solitaire du Figaro « rookie » category

2007:• 2nd in the Cap Istanbul race with L.Pellecuer (Figaro)• Winner (Student category) of the Tour de France à la Voile

2005:• Winner (Student category) of the Tour de France à la Voile

2004: • Youth world champion in Tornado

2000:• 4th in the Moth Europe youth European Championships

1999:• Moth Europe French Champion

1997:• Optimist French Champion

Boat’s previous wins and performances2012:• 2nd in the Europa Warm’Up

2011:• Winner of the Transat BtoB • 4th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with S.Col

23

Mike GoldingGamesa

Boat details• Former name: Ecover 3• Designers: Owen Clarke Design LLP / Clay Olive• Construction: Hakes Marine Construction• Launch date: August 2007• Length: 18.26 m• Beam: 5.8 m• Draught: 4.5 m

• Displacement (weight): 8 tons• Centreboards: 2• Mast height: 27.3 m• Keel blade: Carbon• Sail area upwind: 300 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 580 sq metres

«There are a lot of good boats, and we are less new. For the first time I am starting with a boat which has been around a bit. The boat’s early life was plagued with reliability issues, but we have addressed them. The boat is fundamentally quick and easy to drive. Maybe it is one of those slow maturity things. But the boat has not yet delivered the results it can.» Mike Golding

(2) S

kipp

ers

M. Golding’s notable wins and performances[ 51 years old ]2011:• 9th in the Transat Jacques Vabre• 4th in the B to B Transat (with Dubois)

2010:• 3rd in the Extreme 40 European circuit (Extreme Sailing Series)

2009:• 3rd in the Transat Jaques Vabre (with Sansó)• Vendée Globe (retired)

2007:• Velux 5 Oceans (retired)• 5th in the Transat Jaques Vabre (with Dubois)

2006:• Winner of the SNSM Trophy (record)

2004:• Winner of the Transat

2003:• 3rd in the Transat Jaques Vabre (with Thompson)• Winner of the Défi Atlantique• 3rd in the Calais Round Britain race


2001:• 7th in the Vendée Globe• 2nd in the Transat Jaques Vabre (with Hutchinson)• 3rd in the l’EDS Atlantic Challenge

2000:• 3rd in the Transat

1999:• 3rd in the Transat Jaques Vabre (with Damby)

1997:• Winner of the BT Global Challenge

1994:• Broke the world record for single-handed, non-stop round the world against prevailing winds and tides in the Group 4 Global Challenge


2011:• 9th in the Transat Jacques Vabre• 4th in the B to B Transat (with Dubois)


2007:• 5th in the Transat Jaques Vabre (with Golding and Dubois)

PortraitMike Golding is a « Man with a Passion », a passion that has taken him around the world, breaking records. His mission is to become the first Briton to win the most challenging single-handed, non-stop, round the world race. The years spent sailing on all the seas of the globe have helped him become an offshore racing specialist feared by many. Golding is someone you want to have on your team and not against you.

BackgroundA former career fire-fighter, Mike turned to professional sailing following his dominating campaign and overall win in the BT Global Challenge 1996/7, a crewed round the world race.He has subsequently achieved podium positions in premier sailing events including the Vendee Globe, the Transat, Defi Atlantique), the Route du Rhum, the Transat Jacques Vabre and the Calais Round Britain and Ireland.Mike has held and holds several world records. He is the first person to have raced around the world in both directions. In 2007, Mike was awarded the OBE for services to sport (sailing).

BoatMike Golding’s Owen Clark/Clay Oliver designed Open 60 (formerly Ecover 3) underwent major optimisation work at Green Marine in the UK. « Gamesa has a brand new and lighter rig. We feel that we will have a rig with a higher factor of safety with the goal of finishing races. The boat is substantially modified. We have simplified the cockpit to reduce weight, making it more dedicated towards solo sailing. We also have this new coachroof style that offers better protection. Its unique shape has already been compared to a komodo dragon, or a frog. I prefer to align myself with the ferocity of a komodo dragon! »

Website : http://fr.mikegolding.com

24

MarcGuillemotSafran

Boat details• Designer: VPLP Verdier • Construction: Larros shipyard• Launch date: August 2007 • Length: 18.28m • Beam: 5.70m • Draught: 4.50m

• Displacement (weight): Not available• Centreboards: Not available• Mast height: 27m• Keel type: Titanium• Sail area upwind: 300 sq metres• Sail area downwind : 650 sq metres

«Safran is both reliable and efficient, which is a good omen for the Vendée Globe!»Marc Guillemot

(2) S

kipp

ers

Website : http://www.safran-sailingteam.com

PortraitMarc Guillemot was born on June 25, 1959 in Quimper (Finistère). He lives in Saint-Philibert, Morbihan, France, near La Trinité-sur-Mer. Born in Sainte-Marine, at the mouth of the Odet River, Marc Guillemot grew up among skippers and sailors and quickly caught the offshore racing virus … It does not matter if he sails on one, two or three hulls as long as speed and competition are there.

BackgroundIn 1979, Marc Guillemot competed in his first single-handed race. In 1981, he won the Twostar on multihull in his class. He met with Nigel Irens and Patrick Morvan, who offered him to join him in the Jet Services II construction project. In 1984, he shattered the Atlantic record with Jean Le Cam and Serge Madec in 8 days and 16 hours. During one of these oceanic adventures, he experienced one of his worst nights ever. In 1985, Jet Services IV, a powerful 25-metre catamaran, capsized. Jean Castenet went missing while Marc and Patrick Morvan were seriously wounded.

After two years of physical therapy, Marc was back in competition. In 1988, he won several races and beat the Atlantic record in 7 days 6 hours and 32 minutes on Jet Services V. From 1996 on, Marc finished on the podium in many competitions such as the Québec-Saint-Malo or the Route du Rhum at the helm of La Trinitaine I. In 2005, Marc Guillemot came back to the monohull category with the Safran project. His experience is built on the velocity and the solid performances of his yacht, designed by Verdier & Lauriot Prévost, as his third place finish in the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe and his victory in the 2009 Transat Jacques Vabre show. After more than 50,000 nautical miles sailed on Safran, the French skipper logically still has high expectations…

BoatSince her launch in 2007, Safran has impressed everyone with her ability to cope with all sorts of weather conditions. As the first yacht designed by Guillaume Verdier and Vincent Lauriot-Prévost, which has since become a much sought-after team, this extremely light boat has benefited from the involvement of all of the engineers in the Safran Group who have worked on improving the yacht on a regular basis. Marc Guillemot’s boat is both fast and efficient and remains a reference in the world of sailing as well as a major asset to be used in the round-the world-race.

M. Guillemot’s notable wins and performances[ 52 years old ]

2012:• Winner of ArMen Race

2011:• 5th in the B to B Transat• 6th in the Transat Jacques Vabre• Round Britain and Ireland record

2010:• 3rd in the Route du Rhum• Winner of the Tour of Spain

2009:• Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre • 1st in the SNSM Record• 3rd in the Vendée Globe

2008:• 4th in the Artemis Transat

2007:• 5th in the B to B Transat• 2nd in the Transat Jacques Vabre



2000:• 2nd in the Québec -St Malo


1988:• Winner of the Québec-St Malo• Winner of the Route de la Découverte• Atlantic record in 7d,6h32’

1984:• Atlantic record in 8d,16h36’

Boat’s previous wins and performances2012:• Winner of the ArMen Race

2011:• 5th in the B to B Transat• 6th in the Transat Jacques Vabre• Round Britain and Ireland record

2010:• 3rd in the Route du Rhum• Winner of the Tour of Spain

2009:• Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre• Winner of the SNSM Record • 3rd in the Vendée Globe

2008:• 4th in the Artemis Transat

2007:• 5th in the B to B Transat• 2nd in the Transat Jacques Vabre

25

Jean Le CamSynerCiel

Boat details• Previous name: Gitana Eighty, Renault Z.E.• Designers: Farr Yacht Design (USA)• Construction: Southern Ocean Marine / New Zealand• Launch date: July 2007• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.80 m

• Draught: 4.50 m• Displacement (weight): about 8.5 tons.• Centreboards: Not available• Mast height: 28 m• Keel blade: Not available• Sail area upwind: 270 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 560 sq metres

«It’s brilliant to be at the start of the Vendée Globe. It’s very motivating, it has a history, and is a real project!» Jean Le Cam

(2) S

kipp

ers

Website : http://www.synerciel.fr/vendee-globe-2012-jean-le-cam

Portrait“A King without entertainment is a man full of misery!” claimed Blaise Pascal in his Pensées. His Majesty’s cheeky humour and witty remarks have always galvanized the crowds. During his reign “King Jean” surmounted many tests, encountered many hazards on his way (capsizing during the Vendée Globe 2008 and during the Transat Jacques Vabre, dismasting during the Barcelona World Race 2010). So, by announcing his participation in the Vendée Globe 2012, His Highness will leave the Valley of madmen’s keep and happily come back to the bounds of his territory, the infinite spaces of his kingdom, determined to take up the challenge with the twenty or so sea princes striving to win his crown.

BackgroundAn early champion, from his childhood Jean combed the regattas in the Bay of Concarneu, as much on centreboarders as on the family Armagnac, Mervent, which left all the offshore racers of the time with unforgettable memories. Crewman, then co-skipper and friend of Eric Tabarly, from 1982 he built an exceptional career as a top-level sailor, as much on monohulls as on multihulls. His record of achievements speaks volumes: Atlantic record in 1982, World Formula 40 Champion in 1988 and 1989, winner of the Transat AG2R in 1994, three times winner of the Solitaire du Figaro in 1994,1996 and 1999, winner of the 1000 milles de Calais in 2004, etc. Referred to as “King Jean”, he is an important figure of the “Valley of madmen” (as Olivier de Kersauson names Port-la-Forêt).

BoatDesigned by Farr Yacht Design and launched in February 2007, the structure of SynerCiel has been tested and confirmed. Only a year ago, competing under the name of Renault Z.E., the yacht came 3rd in the double-handed Barcelona World Race. SynerCiel has seen some innovations, such as a trim tab to the rear of the yacht, a sliding roof protecting the sailor from water, a moving satellite, which can be positioned in the best place for optimal performance, and two hydrogenerators on board, a submerged device (with a retractable system) generating 100% of the yacht’s energy requirements and enabling it to sail with positive energy while recharging the yacht’s batteries. This environment-friendly energy autonomy solution is in keeping with Jean’s objectives as well as those of his sponsor, SynerCiel, whose challenge is to serve performance with ecology and technology. Once decorated in Synerciel’s colours, a new keel, a lighter mast than the previous one, and an entirely new boom were added metamorphosing the yacht. All these changes have resulted in a weight loss for Synerciel.

J. le Cam’s notable wins and performances[ 53 years old ]2010:• Abandoned during the Barcelona World Race (with B.Garcia)• 6th Transat AG2R-La Mondiale (with N.Lunven)

2009:• Abandoned the Vendée Globe

2008:• 4th Transat AG2R

2007:• 4th in the Transat Jacques Vabre • 3rd in the Calais Round Britain Race 2003.

2006:• 2nd in the Route du Rhum • FICO World Champion

2005:• 3rd in the Transat Jacques Vabre• 2nd in the Vendée Globe

2004:• Winner of the 1000 milles de Calais

2003:• 3rd in the ORMA Mondial Assistance Challenge

Others:• Three times winner of the Solitaire du Figaro (1999, 1996, 1994)• Transat AG2R (2nd in 1996, Winner in 1994)• World Formula 40 Champion in 1988 and 1989• Atlantic Record in 1982

Boat’s previous wins and performances2011:• 3rd in the Barcelona World Race (Renault Z.E., P.Rivero/A.Piris)

2009:• Vendée Globe 2008-2009: Abandoned (L.Peyron)

2008:• Winner of the English Transatlantic race (L.Peyron)

2007:• Winner of the Transat B to B (L.Peyron)

26

PortraitArmel Cléac’h’s passion for sailing is first and foremost a family failing. It is written in his genes. Immersed in sailing from a very early age, he discovered the joys of surfing the sea at Saint-Pol-de-Leon. He was only nine when the first starting gun sounded in his career. At the time, his dreams of the ocean were embodied in an Optimist and the young boy forged himself a strong character. Recognized as one of the best sailors of his generation, a relentless worker, methodical and determined, Armel has put all the odds on his side and always remains enthusiastic about new challenges.

BackgroundArmel became a member of the Finistère team and earned himself a name by taking part in countless races on board a 420. In 1999, he became a professional skipper, after winning the Challenge Espoir Crédit Agricole. From the moment he started sailing in the Solitaire du Figaro in 2000, he left the competing racers in admiration, by winning first place among the newcomers and second overall. He then took on the Tour de France à la Voile at the helm of a Beneteau Figaro and won the event in 2001. In Saint-Nazaire, in 2003, he entered the very exclusive circle of Solitaire winners and marked the history of the race permanently by pipping Alain Gautier at the post. Convinced of the talent of this young sailor, who is frightened of nothing, Alain Gautier entrusted him with the helm of his 60 foot multihull, Foncia. In 2004, he won the 7th Transat AG2R with Nicolas Troussel. After capsizing in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2005, Armel left the ORMA Championship and set his sights on the IMOCA Championship with a new sponsor, Brit Air. In 2008, when he first took part in the Vendée Globe, his childhood dream came true. Second after Desjoyeaux, his performance was to earn him respect. It will always be remembered as an incredible racing feat and revealed a spirited, combative and generous man. In 2010, Armel Le Cléac’h returned to the Beneteau Figaro circuit. Feared by a determined competition, he did wonders winning the Transat AG2R with Delahaye and, for the second time, counting among the best performances of the Solitaire. A few months later, he came second in the legendary Route du Rhum. After his sponsor Brit’Air retired in 2011, he joined the Banque Populaire sailing team as the skipper of their recently purchased 60’ monohull.

BoatArmel will race with the fifth IMOCA designed by the architects VPLP/Verdier. Launched in September 2010, Banque Populaire - Desjoyeaux’s ex-Foncia - will be one of the most recent boats at the starting line. By then, Armel will have had time to take this high-performing yacht in hand.

Armel Le Cléac’hBanque Populaire

Boat details• Previous name: Foncia• Designer: VPLP-Verdier• Construction: CDK, JMV, Green Marine• Launch date: 20 September 2010• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.90 m• Draught: 4.50 m

• Displacement (weight): 7.8 tons• Centreboards: 2• Mast height: 27 m• Keel blade: steel• Sail area upwind: 300 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 660 sq metres

«Four years ago, we just wanted to finish the race. This year, with the Banque Populaire team we have other ambitions. The aim is to do better than second.» Armel Le Cléac’h

(2) S

kipp

ers

Website : http://www.voile.banquepopulaire.fr

A. le Cléac’h’s notable wins and performances[ 35 years old ]2012:• Winner of the Grand Prix Guyader with crew• 3rd in the Europa Warm’up

2011:• Winner of and SNSM record holder Banque Populaire V• 3rd in the Transat Jacques Vabre (with Pratt)• 2nd in the Transat B to B

2010:• Winner of the Transat AG2R (with Delahaye)• Winner of the Solitaire du Figaro• 2nd in the Route du Rhum

2009:• 2nd in the Vendée Globe

2008:• IMOCA World Champion• 2nd in the Artemis Transat


2006:• 4th in the Route du Rhum• 4th in the Solitaire du Figaro• 5th in the Transat AG2R (with Troussel)

2005:• 4th in the Grand Prix de Lorient• 2nd in the Grand Prix de Fécamp• 2nd in the Giraglia Rolex Cup• 4th in the IB Group Challenge

2004:• Winner of the Transat AG2R (with Troussel)

2003:• Winner of the French Single-handed Offs-hore Championship• Winner of the Solitaire du Figaro

2000:• 2nd in the Solitaire du Figaro (1st newcomer)

Boat’s previous wins and performances2012:• 3rd in the Europa Warm’upWinner of the Grand Prix Guyader with crew

2011:• 2nd in the Transat B to B• 3rd in the Transat Jacques Vabre (with Pratt)

2010:• 6th in the Route du Rhum (Foncia, Des-joyeaux)

27

PortraitThe date is October 31, 1993. The place is Le Havre, France. Eight monohulls and five multihulls leave the Normandy port and cross the start line of the very first Transat Jacques Vabre, a single-handed race. Parlier, Peyron and Gautier are among the monohull skippers. And so is a young yachtsman sporting a classic haircut who, at the age of 21, is sailing across the Atlantic for the first time on Maitre Coq. Some remember his mascot but what most will not forget is the young skipper’s exceptional tenacity. He finished the race despite a major water ingress issue and received a warm welcome from the other competitors in Cartagena. Back then, few of them realized that Riou, who had just had his first taste of offshore sailing, would win the Vendée Globe a few years later thanks to his immense talent.

BackgroundAt 40, Vincent Riou had become one of the most symbolic figures of the Vendée Globe. His history in that race started in 2000 with his first circumnavigation… on dry land. Riou was actually in charge of preparing Michel Desjoyeaux’s PRB and greatly contributed to the Vendée boat’s final victory. The sponsor then chose to trust the young, discreet and gifted Riou with their monohull and he therefore crossed the start line of the 2004 edition as a skipper. The Brittany-born yachtsman won the race on his very first participation after an epic fight with Jean Le Cam, finishing only seven hours ahead of Le Cam, who called him « Vincent the Terrible », a nickname that is not unlike the name of a nuclear submarine. Riou then started working on the construction of a new monohull on which he competed in the 2008 – 2009 Vendée Globe. After 57 days at sea, his path once again crossed Jean Le Cam’s as Le Cam capsized off Cape Horn and was finally rescued by Vincent, who damaged his rigging in the process. The mast held on for a few hours but eventually broke before the boat could reach Tierra del Fuego. Riou had to retire but the jury decided to grand him the third place of the race. He is the only former Vendée Globe winner to race in the 2012-2013 edition and he is determined to successfully defend his title.

BoatThe new PRB, launched in March 2010, has been designed with single-handed round-the-world race in mind. She is a boat of the latest generation whose ergonomics are dedicated to solo sailing. By picking a wing mast, Vincent chose a type of rigging he was already familiar with. Especially since the «wing mast / outriggers» combination is easier to use when sailing solo. The boat interior is empty as comfort was not the priority and the idea is to spend a lot of time outside. Everything has been optimized for single-handed sailing and speed.

Vincent RiouPRB

Boat details• Designer: VPLP / Verdier• Construction: CDK• Launch date: March 11, 2010• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.5 m• Draught: 4.5 m

• Displacement (weight): Not available• Centreboards: Not available• Mast height: 27.4 m• Keel blade: mechanically welded steel• Sail area upwind: 300 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 600 sq metres

«When I started working on the construction of the boat, I didn’t take anything lightly. My idea was to clearly set high standards that would challenge the other competitors. That’s why I didn’t compromise, there were no concessions and the yacht has been optimized from the keel to the top of the mast.» Vincent Riou

(2) S

kipp

ers

Website : http://prb.fr/voile_index.php

V. Riou’s notable wins and performances[ 40 years old ]2012:• Winner of the Europa Warm’Up

2011:• Winner of the AZIMUT Trophy• Winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race (with J.Le Cam)• Winner of the Artemis Challenge• 3rd in the B to B Transat

2010:• 2nd in the Tour of Spain • 5th in the Route du Rhum

2009:• 7th in the Transat Jacques Vabre on AKENA Vérandas (with A.Boissières)• 3rd (tie) in the Vendée Globe• Winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race• Winner of the Calais Round Britain Race • Winner of the Petit Navire GP• 4th in the Spi Ouest France in Open 7.50

2004:• Winner of the Vendée Globe (87d,10h47’55”)

2003:• Winner of the Calais Round Britain Race (crewed) • 2nd in the Rolex Fastnet Race (crewed) • 4th in the Transat Jacques Vabre with J.Beyou

Other results:• 1st of the Obelix Trophy in Figaro class (1999)• French national Champion in First Class 8 (1996,1998,1999)• Winner of the Match Racing French Cham-pionships (1994)

Boat’s previous wins and performances2012:• Winner of the Europa Warm’Up

2011:• Winner of the AZIMUT Trophy• Winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race (with J.Le Cam)• Winner of the Artemis Challenge• 3rd in the B to B Transat

2010:• 2nd in the Tour of Spain • 2nd in the Douarnenez GP • 5th in the Route du Rhum

28

PortraitJavier Sansó, who goes by the nickname « Bubi », embodies perseverance and the taste for adventure and calls himself a « lonesome yachtsman ». The Majorca-born skipper has always believed regatta and offshore racing should be seen as the same sport. As a child, even before he learned to walk, he felt at home on his parents’ boat. The Mediterranean Sea has always been part of his life, as a place where he could discover new things and make his dreams come true. Sansó’s passion for ocean exploration comes from his experience of sailing around the world with elite crews and that is why he chose to embark on his first big adventure: Sailing to the South Pole on the « Rael » schooner. A new dream was born from this project: Compete in the Vendée Globe, a race the Spanish yachtsman was not able to finish in 2001. Since then, his only goal had been to give the Vendée Globe another try and to conquer the most extreme of the offshore races.

BackgroundHis solid experience of competitive sailing on all categories of boats includes several races on IMOCA Open 60 yachts: 2001 and 2003 Transat Jacques Vabre, 2001 EDS Atlantic Challenge and 2000-2001 Vendée Globe. His most recent performance was achieved in the 2008 Barcelona World Race, where he finished at the fourth place. Sanso has sailed across the Atlantic more than twenty times - including five times single-handedly - and the tricky Indian Ocean twice. He has been the Wally « Tiketitoo » boat captain and project manager since 2004 and competed in the last two seasons of the TP52 MedCup circuit. Bubi is perfectly familiar with offshore sailing, especially in polar regions, as he was the captain of the « Rael » expedition to the Antarctic in 1997 but the Spanish skipper can also count on his expertise in hydraulic, electronic and energy technology.

BoatIn order to bring its eco-efficiency project to fruition, ACCIONA decided to work with Owen Clarke Design, specializing in IMOCA monohulls. The Southern Ocean Marine shipyard,located in New-Zealand, built a highly competitive yacht, the first IMOCA boat using 100% clean energy sources: ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered. The boat is powered by a groundbreaking energy-generating system that uses renewable sources of energy instead of fossil fuel. For the first time in the history of offshore sailing, a boat matching these criteria is competing in a major race. By using sea, soil and wind-generated energy, ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered will actually be powered by its own sailing.

Javier SansóAcciona 100% EcoPowered

Boat details• Designer: OCD (Owen Clarke DesignGroup)• Construction: Southern Ocean Marine• Launch date: October 29, 2011• Length: 18 m• Beam: 5.60 m• Draught: 4.50 m

• Displacement (weight): 8 tons• Centreboards: Not available• Mast height: 29 m• Keel blade: Not available• Sail area upwind: Not available• Sail area: 600 sq metres

«I have a brand new yacht, everything in it is at its best. That will allow me to be 100% competitive in the coming races, without having to face the same problems as in my first Vendée Globe… I’m really excited.» Javier Sansó

(2) S

kipp

ers

Website : http://www.accionasailing.com

J. Sanso’s notable wins and performances[ 43 years old ]2009:• 3rd in the Transat Jacques Vabre with Golding

2008:• 4th in the Barcelona World Race

2007:• 6th in the Rolex Fastnet

2003:• Transat Jacques Vabre with Heidrich (did not finish)

2001:• 4th in the Transat Jaques Vabre with Dumont• 4th in the EDS Atlantic Challenge Vendée Globe (did not finish)

1997:• Winner of national and international regat-tas in 3/4 Ton, Mumm36, IMS, Sydney40 and Clairefontaine 30 catamaran

Boat’s previous wins and performances2012:• 5th in the Europa Warm’Up

29

PortraitBernard Stamm was born in Switzerland where his father, a boat owner, introduced him to sailing. Stamm developed his true vocation on the sometimes difficult waters of Lake Geneva. Even though he was a good student, he found school too dull and wanted nothing more than to be free, explore the world, and he eventually became one of the best skippers of his generation. To experience freedom, he started working as a lumberjack, a job in which he could be close to nature. He later became a helmsman in the merchant navy and explored the world, as he has dreamed of. Throughout the four years he spent in the navy, Stamm developped a craving for constantly discovering new horizons.

Background1995 was a key year for the yachtsman, with his first competition and a third place in the Mini Transat at the helm of a prototype he had built himself. Logically, the next step was to sail around the world. As a man of challenge and great stories, Stamm decided to design a 60-foot boat. His monohull was launched on 2000 and, that year, she competed in the Vendée Globe. Unfortunately, despite the goodwill and solidarity that had made the adventure possible, technical issues forced Stamm to retire. The Swiss yachtsman was wounded but not sunk and he soon started sailing again and won the 2002-2003 Around Alone. After a final victory in the 2005 Trophée Jules Verne came a second title in the round-the-world non-stop race and several great results. In 2007, Stamm takes the helm of a yacht he had bought from Jean-Pierre Dick but the adventure came to an abrupt stop because of a damaged rudder blade. The yachtsman and his team learnt a lot from the incident, came to the conclusion they should build a brand new 60-foot monohull and started a comprehensive and ambitious sailing project. This year, the Swiss will be at the start of the Vendée Globe for what will hopefully be a happy reunion with offshore racing.

BoatWith a new visual design, a new profile and a new designer, the latest boat designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian is a yacht made for the Vendée Globe. The latest Cheminées Poujoulat will definitely not go unnoticed in les Sables d’Olonne! Her design and the impression of power she gives are already admired and the Swiss skipper now has the yacht he needs to conquer his own Grail: The 2012 Vendée Globe.

Bernard StammCheminées Poujoulat

Boat details• Designer: Juan Koumoudjian• Construction: Décision SA (Switzerland)• Launch date: May 12, 2011• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.80 m• Draught: 4.50 m

•Displacement (weight): 8.5 tons• Centerboards: 2• Mast height: 29m• Keel blade: Not available• Sail area upwind: 300 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 600 sq metres

«My goal is to win the race. But I know it won’t be easy because there are very good skippers out there, sailing on fast and reliable machines. The average level is more and more homogeneous and it will definitely be a tough fight.» Bernard stamm

(2) S

kipp

ers

Website : http://poujoulat.bernard-stamm.com

B. Stamm’s notable wins and performances[ 48 years old ]2012:• 4th place in the Europa Warm’Up

2011:• 3rd place in the Rolex Fastnet Race 2010:• 10th place in the Transat AG2R with Gildas Mahé • 24th place in the Solitaire du Figaro• 9th place in the Route du Rhum (40-foot) 2009:• Winner of the SNSM Record • Winner of the Britanny Ferries 1000 Miles • 3rd place in the Solidaire du Chocolat

2007:• 6th place in the Ecover B To B Transat• 3rd place in the Transat Jacques Vabre Winner of the Velux 5 Oceans:

2005:• Brittany Ferries Record• Co-holder of Trophée Jules Verne on Orange II

2003:• Winner of the Around Alone race

2002:• Single-handed transatlantic record

2001:• 8th place in the Transat Jacques Vabre • Record of the Atlantic crossing (West-East) on a crewed monohull in 8d 20h 55m and 35s

1996:• 1st of the Mini Fastnet (duo)


2012:• 4th place in the Europa Warm’Up

2011:• 3rd place in the Rolex Fastnet Race

30

Alex ThomsonHUGO BOSS

Boat details• Former names: Pindar, Veolia Environnement, BT• Designer: Bruce Farr Yacht Design• Construction: Not available• Launch date: July 2007• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.85 m

• Draught: 4.50 m• Displacement (weight): 8 tons• Centreboards: Not available• Mast height: 27.50 m• Keel blade: Steel• Sail area upwind: 300 sq metres• Sail area downwind: 561 sq metres

(2) S

kipp

ers

«The first time, it was all about winning, the second time it was about starting, and now I want to finish.» Alex Thomson.

PortraitWhen you live on the shores of the Solent you can hardly avoid a life on the sea. Alex Thomson is certainly no exception to the rule. It was at the age of 25 that he won the Clipper Round the World Race, becoming the youngest round the world race winner, a record he still holds. For Alex, clearly the result is what counts in the end. In the 2004 Vendée Globe, he managed to keep up with some of the top names in the series by pushing the boat to the limit of what was reasonable, before being forced to retire after suffering some damage.

BackgroundBy finishing second in the 2007-2008 Barcelona World Race, Alex showed the skeptics that he was capable of completing a race. After this excellent result on a boat that he had time to tame, he was in with perhaps the best chance of all the British entrants in the last Vendée Globe. But a collision with a trawler just off Les Sables-d’Olonne forced him to carry out some major repairs before the start. Aware that his chances were now somewhat reduced, but once again showing that he was not one to give up that easily, he was there at the start but was forced to retire a few days later. Second in the 2011 Transat Jacques Vabre, Alex is clearly back on form and hopes that his third attempt at the Vendée Globe will allow him to see his dream come true: he wants to become the first British skipper to see his name on the list of winners in this legendary race.

BoatAboard his boat that was built in 2007, Alex has a machine that should allow him to fulfill his ambitions as HUGO BOSS is capable of competing alongside the very latest boats. The British skipper proved that by taking second place in the 2011 Transat Jacques Vabre. Roland Jourdain already achieved a great result on the boat, winning the 2010 Route du Rhum when it was called Veolia Environnement. Hugo Boss is in fact also the former BT aboard which Sébastien Josse took part in the last Vendée Globe.

Website : http://www.alexthomsonracing.com

A. Thomson’s notable wins and performances[ 38 years old ]

2011 :• 5th in the Sydney-Hobart• 4th in the B to B Transat• 2nd in Transat Jacques Vabre (with Altadill)

2009 :• Retired in the Transat Jaques Vabre• Retired in the Vendée Globe

2008 :• 2nd in the Barcelona World Race (with Cape)

2007 :• 2nd in the Rolex Fastnet Race

2005 :• Retired in the Vendée Globe

2003 :• 2nd in the Transat Jaques Vabre (with Jourdain)• 3rd in the Atlantic Challange

1999 :• Winner of the Clipper Round The World Race


2011 :• 4th in the B to B Transat• 2nd in Transat Jacques Vabre (with Altadill)

31

PortraitDominique Wavre was born in Geneva and will be 57 when the Vendée Globe starts. His father, an engineer, and his mother, a Swiss tennis champion, introduced him to sailing on Lake Geneva when he was a teenager, before he became an arts student in the Swiss city. Throughout four decades of offshore sailing, Dominique Wavre has gained experience on all seas and oceans, clocking up an impressive number of nautical miles in competition. With four Whitbread Round the World races and three Vendée Globe participations under his belt, the Swiss is not afraid or anything or anyone. He is also very familiar with the way around the three Capes and the southern seas. Because of his attention to details and an accuracy that is not unlike his country’s clocks, he is seen as a serious Vendée Globe contender who will sail on a boat he knows perfectly well.

BackgroundDominique Wavre the Swiss recordman of most offshore racing titles won with, among other performances, seven round-the-world races under his belt. After sailing all through his student years, it was not long before the young man decided to abandon his position as an art teacher and entirely devote himself to sailing. In 1981, Dominique embarked on his first round-the-world adventure with Pierre Felhman on Disque d’Or 3. From then on, sailing became his primary universe.In the late 1990s, Wavre focused on the IMOCA Open 60 class, oversaw the construction of a monohull designed for the Vendée Globe 2000. He therefore became the first Swiss yachtsman to sail around the world single-handed and non-stop! Dominique rapidly became one of the heavyweights in this category, placing a strong second in the 2004 Transat. In February 2005, he came in fourth in his second Vendée Globe and, just four months later, started the construction of a new IMOCA Open 60 that was launched in Tauranga, New Zealand, in June 2006. The 2012 Vendée Globe 2012 has now become Dominique Wavre’s main goal as the skipper will try to go for a podium finish on his tenth round-the-world race.

BoatDesigned by Owen Clarke Design according to Dominique Wavre’s recommendations, the 60’ Open Mirabaud has already sailed over 49,000 nautical miles in competition. Her skipper knows the boat like the back of his hand. Mirabaud is a 60-foot, IMOCA class yacht built in New Zealand by Southern Ocean Marine according to original plans by English naval architect firm Owen Clarke Design. The yacht was launched in the Pacific waters in June 2006.

Dominique WavreMirabaud

Boat details• Former names: Temenos II • Designer: Owen Clarke Design• Construction: Southern Ocean Marine (New Zealand)• Launch date: September 2006• Length: 18.28 m• Beam: 5.50 m (18’)• Draught : 4.50 m (14’9’’)

• Displacement (weight) : 8.5 tons• Centreboards: 2• Mast height: 28 m • Keel blade: carbon• Upwind sail surface: 330 sq metres• Downwind sail surface: 600 sq metres

«It’s going to be a tough race out there, with about twenty yachts on the start line and the best skippers competing on very efficient boats. What a great competition!» Dominique Wavre

(2) S

kipp

ers

Website : http://www.dominiquewavre.com

D. Wavre’s notable wins and performances[ 56 years old ]

2011:• 8th in the Transat Jacques Vabre (with Michèle Paret)• Participated in the Barcelona World Race with Michèle Paret on board Mirabaud.

2009:• Participated in the Vendée Globe

2008:• 3rd in the Barcelona World Race (with Michèle Paret)

2007:• 4th in the Fastnet Race• 4th in the Round Britain Race

2006:• 4th in the 2006 Route du Rhum

2005:• 4th in the Vendée Globe

2001:• 5th in the Vendée Globe

Other results:• 3 Transat Jacques Vabre races• 2nd in the 2004 British transatlantic race• 4 participations in the Solitaire du Figaro (2nd in 1990 and 1997)• 2 AG2R Transat races (2nd in 1998)• 24h solo monohull record in 2000• Coach of Défi Français in the 1991-92 America’s Cup


2011:• 8th in the Transat Jacques Vabre (with Michèle Paret)• Participated in the Barcelona World Race with Michèle Paret on board Mirabaud.

2009:• Participated in the Vendée Globe

2008:• 3rd in the Barcelona World Race (with Michèle Paret)

2007:• 4th in the Fastnet Race4th in the Round Britain Race

2006:• 4th in the 2006 Route du Rhum

32

(3)history

33

The Everest of the seasName: Vendée Globe; Age: 22 and a half; Date and place of birth: November 26, 1989 in Les Sables d’Olonne. Founded by Philippe Jeantot, the Vendée Globe has become a spectacularly popular event in less than twenty years – with one million spectators attending the start – as well as the greatest round-the-world sailing race. The « Everest of the Seas » - as the race has been nicknamed because of its extreme sailing conditions - has featured an average of about twenty competitors in its first six editions. These editions will be remembered for the joys, the performances and the disappointments they brought but also for their winners: Titouan Lamazou (1990), Alain Gautier (1993), Christophe Auguin (1997), Michel Desjoyeaux (2001, 2009) and Vincent Riou (2005). The legend is going on this year with a seventh act that will bring together about twenty skippers.

RulesThe Vendée Globe is a non-stop single-handed round-the-world yacht race, sailed without assistance every four years. « Single-handed » means the skipper has to sail around the world alone on his boat*. « Non-stop » means competitors leave from Les Sables D’olonne and sail to Les Sables D’olonne after passing the three major Capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn) without stopping. And « without assistance » means customised help with the weather forecast, skipper support or any exterior operation of the yacht or the instruments are strictly forbidden. Any individual medical aid aimed at enhancing performances is also forbidden. * A temporary exception to the Vendée Globe golden rules has been made when a skipper rescues another yachtsman/yachtswoman and takes him or her to the nearest inhabited land. An international jury then examines the case and analyses the positive and negative impact the temporary double-handed operation of the boat may have had on the performance. The rescuing skipper is usually granted a bonus in the form of a reduced race time.

1989-1990 EDITION13 entrants - 4 nationalities - 7 finishers 1- Titouan Lamazou (FRA/Ecureuil d’Aquitaine II) 109d08h48’50’’2- Loïck Peyron (FRA/Lada Poch) 110d01h18’06’’3- Jean-Luc Van den Heede (FRA/36.15 MET) 112d01h14’00’’4- Philippe Jeantot (FRA/Crédit Agricole IV) 113d23h47’47’’5- Pierre Follenfant (FRA/TBS-Charente Maritime) 114d21h09’06’’…1992-1993 EDITION14 entrants - 6 nationalities - 7 finishers1- Alain Gautier (FRA/Bagages Superior) 110d02h22’35’’2- Jean-Luc Van Den Heede (FRA/Groupe Sofap-Helvim) 116d15h01’11’’3- Philippe Poupon (FRA/Fleury-Michon X) 117d03h34’24’’4- Yves Parlier (FRA/Cacolac d’Aquitaine) 125d02h42’24’’5- Nandor Fa (HUN/K&H Banque Matav) 128d16h05’04’’…1996-1997 EDITION15 entrants (including 2 women) - 5 nationalities - 6 finishers1- Christophe Auguin (FRA/Geodis) 105d20h31’2- Marc Thiercelin (FRA/Crédit Immobilier de France) 113d08h26’3- Hervé Laurent (FRA/Groupe LG-Traitmat) 114d16h43’4- Eric Dumont (FRA/Café Legal-Le Goût) 116d16h43’5- Pete Goss (GBR/Aqua Quorum) 126d21h25’…

(3) H

isto

ry

34

2000-2001 EDITION24 entrants (including 2 women) - 7 nationalities - 15 finishers1- Michel Desjoyeaux (FRA/PRB) 93d03h57’32’’2- Ellen Mac Arthur (GBR/Kingfisher) 94d04h25’40’’3- Roland Jourdain (FRA/Sill Matines La potagère) 96d01h2’33’’4- Marc Thiercelin (FRA/Active Wear) 102d20h37’49’’5- Dominic Wavre (SUI/Union bancaire Privée) 105d02h45’12’’… 2004-2005 EDITION20 entrants (including 2 women) - 5 nationalities - 13 finishers1- Vincent Riou (FRA/PRB) 87d10h47’2- Jean Le Cam (FRA/Bonduelle) 87d17h20’3- Mike Golding (GBR/Ecover 2) 88d15h15’4- Dominique Wavre (SUI/Temenos) 92d17h13’5- Sébastien Josse (FRA/VMI) 93d17h13’…2008-2009 EDITION30 entrants (including 2 women) - 7 nationalities - 12 finishers1- Michel Desjoyeaux (FRA/Foncia) 84d03h09’2- Armel Le Cléac’h (FRA/Brit Air) 89d09h35’3- Marc Guillemot (FRA/Safran) 95d03h19’- Vincent Riou (Fra, PRB) granted bonus4- Samantha Davies (GBR/Roxy) 95d04h39’5- Brian Thompson (GBR/Bahrain Team Pindar) 98d20h29’…

Facts and figures…Youngest entrant: Ellen MacArthur in 2000-2001 (24)Oldest: Jose de Ugarte in 1992-1993 (62)Fastest: Michel Desjoyeaux in 2008-2009 (84d03h09’)Slowest: Jean-François Coste in 1989-1990 (163d01h19’20’’)Most participations: 4, Marc Thiercelin and Raphaël Dinelli (inclusing one «disqualification»)

Distance travelled and average speed of the winnersTitouan Lamazou: 25,485 nautical miles at 9.7 knotsAlain Gautier: 25,315 nautical miles at 9.58 knotsChristophe Auguin: 26,520 nautical miles at 10.44 knotsMichel Desjoyeaux: 26,700 nautical miles at 11.94 knotsVincent Riou: 26,714 nautical miles at 12.73 knotsMichel Desjoyeaux: 28,303 nautical miles at 14.0 knots

Race RecordsFrom Les Sables d’Olonne to the Equator: Jean Le Cam (10d11h28’)From Les Sables d’Olonne to Cape of Good Hope: Vincent Riou (24d02h18’)From Les Sables d’Olonne to Cape Leeuwin: Vincent Riou (36d12h48’)From Les Sables d’Olonne to Cap Horn: Michel Desjoyeaux (56d15h08’)From Les Sables d’Olonne to the Equator: Michel Desjoyeaux (71d17h12’)Sailing down the Atlantic: Vincent Riou - PRB (24d07h20’)Sailing across the Indian Ocean: Michel Desjoyeaux - Foncia (11d06h49’)Sailing across the Pacific Ocean: Mike Golding - Ecover (16d06h)Sailing up the Atlantic: Michel Desjoyeaux - Foncia (27d12h)

(3) H

isto

ry

35

(4)schedule

36

Schedule

JuneWeek of 18-22: Launch of Bureau Vallée (date TBA) Sunday 24th: Christening of Alessandro Di Benedetto’s Team Plastique in Les Sables d’Olonne

JulySunday 1st : Closing date for pre-registrationMonday 16th: Christening of Bertrand De Broc’s yacht (date TBC)

SeptemberSaturday 1st: Christening of Tanguy De Lamotte’s Initiatives-cœur (date TBC)Monday 10th: First yachts arrive, skippers are greeted in Les Sables d’Olonne End of September: Press conference in Paris (date TBA)

OctoberMonday 1st: Closing date for registrationFriday 19th: Deadline for yachts arrivals Date (7PM) Saturday 20th: Village opening in Les Sables d’Olonne

NovemberSaturday 10th: Start of the 7th Vendée Globe

(4) S

ched

ule

37

(5)partners

38

The Vendée Globe: forever in Vendée

It was not by chance that the Vendée Globe was created in the French region of Vendée: it is a land of entrepreneurs, where people willingly take up challenges, so our « department » looking outwards to the Atlantic was the obvious choice. Since the very first contest back in 1989, the sports fans and adventure lovers of Vendée have turned out in force for those skippers, attempting to overcome the «Everest of the Seas» every four years.

It was therefore quite natural that they got together with the County Council to ensure that this race was forever linked to Vendée and that the planet’s greatest skippers would choose the port of Les Sables d’Olonne as the starting point and finish for the craziest project in their career. The gamble has clearly paid off, as the last Vendée Globe race was an unprecedented sporting success with Michel Desjoyeaux shattering the race record (a little over 84 days) after an unforgettable comeback.

Going beyond the purely sporting aspect, the Vendée Globe remains a fantastic media and tourism opportunity for the whole of Vendée. Thus, in 2008, more than 700,000 visitors strolled along the pontoons in Port Olonna before the start of the race and more than 50,000 press articles (printed press, radio, television) were published around the world.

The story continues and already a large number of skippers are dreaming of becoming part of the legend when they cross the starting line for the next Vendée Globe on November 10, 2012.

(5) p

artn

ers

39

SODEBO AND SAILING, A WINNING PARTNERSHIP

Being associated with the strong and positive values of sailing has widely contributed to the expansion of SODEBO’s visibility - which increased eighteen-fold in fourteen years – while also developing its image and popularity and uniting its workforce.

Fifteen years of active transverse sponsorship have guaranteed SODEBO an image that make people see the company as efficient, innovative, friendly and supportive.

«When we first invested in sailing in 1998, SODEBO was a small business. », co-President Patricia Brochard explains.«Just like skippers who are about to compete in their first Vendée Globe, we were willing to be bold. Whoever is about to sail around the world for the first time is obviously up for a huge challenge. A pioneering and adventurous spirit has always been what makes the success of a company which, like yachtsmen, is daring - or dared at one point – to gamble and take risks. Sponsorship and sailing around the world are both unchartered territories. By supporting a boat or a race, you are committing to build something unique. Sponsorship, just like a business, has to adapt to obstacles and it provides what is needed to navigate through today’s uncertain economic world. Skippers and entrepreneurs have one thing in common, they just cannot turn back when facing adversity. We need to define a clear direction and have great flexibility. »

The Vendée Globe has brought visibility and an important national and international status to the French leader of food service and delicatessen products sold in the fresh food aisle of supermarkets but it is the company’s decision to support Thomas Coville that enabled it to rank among the businesses that inspire respect and trust.

The return on investment has been there year after year and, based on media coverage only, it has been estimated at 80 million euros. In addition to the brand’s visibility linked to the partnership, SODEBO has chosen an original architecture of means that features both media and off-media operations in order to share this amazing human adventure with as many people as possible.

By getting involved with the Vendée Globe for the third time, SODEBO is happy to confirm its support for the skippers who will participate in the 7th edition of this legendary race around the world.

(5) p

artn

ers

40

(5) p

artn

ers

Les Sables d'Olonne - the city of the Vendée Globe

Start and finish city for the Vendée Globe, through its Port Olona marina, co-organizer and part of the SAEM Vendée, Les Sables d'Olonne will welcome the sailors contending in this non-stop, unassisted, single-handed round-the-world yacht race, in the best conditions, as they will their countless supporters.

Connoisseurs and lovers of the sea, sailing and human adventures, the people of Les Sables d'Olonne are filled with enthusiasm for single-handed sailing races. They are again impatient to support the contenders in their exploits, in the race of all races, and there is an unusual atmosphere mixing joy, feverishness and apprehension, under the watchful eye of the national and international media.

This competitive and popular event offers us an opportunity to showcase the many faces of our town, its maritime tradition, as well as its tourist vocation, where the unique culture of the city finds its roots.

New in 2012, the town of Les Sables d'Olonne has chosen to «glamorise » previous Vendée Globe winners by offering them their own "Walk of Fame", as they do in Hollywood, featuring the skippers’ handprints throughout a marked path on the city’s new embankment. As of this summer, the city of Les Sables d'Olonne will be decked with flags in the colours of the Vendée Globe, showing the portraits of the next racers.

A programme of exhibitions and entertainment will add to the great Vendée Globe adventure, during the weeks preceding the start. This is a new cultural chapter which will add a little colour to our town, landscapes and items of our heritage, as well as the activities organized at the race village.

All these will provide you with good reason and make you impatient to come back to Les Sables d'Olonne, like the skippers of the Vendée Globe!

41

Zodiac®, Official Partner of the Vendée Globe 2012-2013

For its 7th edition, the Vendée Globe has called upon Zodiac® to provide a flotilla of 50 rigid inflatable boats, dedicated to the security of this prestigious sailing race.

Vendée Globe - Zodiac®: a mythical race, partner of a legendAfter its successful 2008-2009 partnership, ZODIAC®, the worldwide reference in inflatable boats, is once again associating in the Vendée Globe. For this next 2012 - 2013 edition, ZODIAC® has intensified its support to this mythical Everest of the seas, by becoming Official Partner. In assuring optimal security of both competitors and spectators, ZODIAC® is providing a flotilla of rigid inflatable boats to supervise the start of the race and the arrivals, both being the highlight moments of this event.

Vendée Globe - Zodiac®: partners by excellenceRecognised for its technological superiority and unique know-how, ZODIAC® is involved at the heart of the 7th edition. Indeed, ZODIAC® is creating a limited edition of 50 Pro Open 650 « Vendee Globe » boats for this legendary event, each specifically equipped and individually prepared to respond to the requirements of the organizing team. To be ready to respond to any unexpected situation, one must be able to count on a robust and irrefutable reliability. The “ZODIAC® Vendée Globe 2012 - 2013 » limited edition will, once its role accomplished, be put on sale to the public.

Vendée Globe : the expression of a new dynamic for Zodiac®This partnership plays an important role in the deployment of ZODIAC®s new strategy which, with a completely renewed 2012 range of rigid inflatable boats together with its new logo, reaffirms its position as leader.

The media impact of the Vendée Globe Challenge offers a major opportunity to the legendary brand name, to promote its new identity and consolidate its values.

For further information: www.zodiacmarine.com

About Zodiac®: Inventor of modern inflatable boat, Zodiac® is world leader in Manufacturing and Distribution of inflatable boats & rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), tenders and life rafts. Zodiac® is present in 90 countries through a network of 1600 point‐of‐sale outlets.

Please subscribe to the Press Area on www.zodiacmarine.com to download pictures & press releases Press Contact: Juliette Gheerbrant, Communication Manager, Marketing Department

Phone: + 33 1 76 76 71 35 / Mobile: +33 6 70 45 01 55 Email: [email protected]

(5) p

artn

ers

42

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Vendee encourages and promotes development of the local business economy. The Vendée, known as one of France’s most dynamic departments comprises a large number of small and medium sized businesses, as well as a number of leading companies in their field.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry works in partnership with local authorities and government departments, but primarily in close relationship with companies of all sizes and sectors of activity: industry, tourism, the service industry, retail trade. Its detailed knowledge of the local area enables the CCI to satisfy the needs of the local business community. It engages in a broad spectrum of activities aimed at helping those managing or starting new companies, throughout the life cycle of their business.

However, the economy of a department like the Vendée is also based on the development of its coastal areas.

The CCI is in charge of the four main sea ports of the Vendée: Les Sables d’Olonne, Saint-Gilles Croix-de-Vie, I’Ile d’Yeu et l’Herbaudière (Ile de Noirmoutier). It manages activities around the port fishing industries as well as maritime transport and the area’s 2 marinas.As a natural consequence, the CCI of the Vendée is a long term partner of the Vendée Globe, in which it participates financially.

With an economic impact of around 40 million euros for the Vendée, this worldwide race is a major event for all local businesses, whatever their sector of activity. For example, tourism in the department rises substantially during the race and brings in an additional 15 million euros.

The visibility of the Vendée Globe throughout the world and the huge amount of media exposure contributes enormously to the image of the department and provides a fantastic boost to the local economy.

As its flagship event, the Vendée Globe is truly representative of the dynamism and know-how of the Vendée and one in which the Chamber of Commerce plays an active part.

Press Contact CCI Vendée:Emmanuelle Malaboeuf

[email protected] – Phone : (33) 2 51 45 32 37

(5) p

artn

ers

43

A French reference in modular buildings

The BODARD group specialises in the design, construction and commercialisation of modularbuildings for a variety of clients.Relying on its 40 years of experience and its expertise when it comes to designing and manufacturing methods, the BODARD group has developed a process that allows it to take the ever-changing needs of the customers - housing projects managers, the service sector and individuals - into account.

An offer of new products matching the market’s demands

The group offers a range of 5 different products featuring all types of modular and mono-block transportable shelters as well as customized buildings (EC- approved for 10 years).Looking for new growth potential, the BODARD group has developed a new line ofbuildings (RT2012, passive) with high-quality features and energy performance.

Modern, efficient and strategic means of production

Mastering all construction stages, BODARD CONSTRUCTION MODULAIRE employees are experts inmodular buildings and shelters.Pascal BOUTET has been the company CEO for 10 years and his priority is to help BODARD be part of the sector’s national top 3..BODARD CONSTRUCTION MODULAIRE has built schools, leisure centres, companyrestaurants and day-care centres throughout France, using modern conception techniques and high-quality equipment.

BODARD CONSTRUCTION MODULAIRE was granted the ISO 9001 certificate in June 2010.In 2011, also received the ISO 14001 certificate, and is currently applying for the ISO 18001, certifying the company’s total involvement in the client’s satisfaction (Quality, safety, environment).

For further information : http://www.bodard-construction.com

Press contact: Anaïs Troquereau - [email protected]

(5) p

artn

ers

Area

La Mothe Achard: Factory: 18 400 sq metres Land: 100 000 sq metres

Faulquemont: Factory: 6 000 sq metres Land: 10 000 sq metres

Gien: Factory: 10 000 sq metres Land: 34 000 sq metres

44

CLS, the specialist in satellite data processing and analysis at sea joins the Vendée Globe as an Official Supplier.

The SAEM Vendée is delighted to renew the partnership that has been operational since 1989.A historic operator of the ARGOS Satellite system, CLS will be tracking the race competitors throughout this edition of the Vendée Globe 2012. Each boat is equipped with a tracking beacon that enables Race Management to calculate the rankings for the fleet based on the location of each participant four times a day.

The tracking system is also used to produce a map for the general public to follow the race on the official web site. Using data analysis for drifting ice in the Southern Ocean since 2008, CLS will once again be responsible for tracking ice for the Vendée Globe; offering their expertise in radar data processing and modeling ocean currents to detect the presence of icebergs and predict their movement around the Antarctic, they will enable Race Management to keep the skippers informed of any possible dangers.CLS is a subsidiary of the CNES (the French Centre for Space Studies) - and Ifremer (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), and is the global operator of the ARGOS system with 430 collaborators.

CLS boasts 25 years of expertise in the localization and collection of satellite data, and the observation and surveillance of the oceans in marine resource management, maritime safety and environmental monitoring.

CLS is present in every continent with over 15 offices and branches worldwide and a turnover of more than 70 million euros in 2011. CLS processes the data from over 80 onboard instruments transmitted from 40 satellites on behalf of governmental authorities, scientific organizations and industries.

Press contact :Amélie PROUST ALBRAND

CLS Collecte Localisation Satellites

8-10 rue Hermès Parc technologique du Canal

31520 RAMONVILLE SAINT AGNE Mobile : 06 62 80 45 92

[email protected] www.cls.fr

(5) p

artn

ers

45

Météo-France, official provider for the 2012-2013 Vendée Globe

As a provider to the Vendée Globe since its creation in 1989, Météo-France continues the adventure with the 2012-2013 edition !

Led by Richard Silvani, a specialised team of marine meteorology forecasters will be watching over the weather during the entire race.

After a brief intended for all skippers before the race’s start, the Météo-France unit will be providing the race’s officials with its expert advice. Every day, besides a phone brief with the race’s operations centre, it will produce a 2 day forecast that includes safety information and the analysis of the weather situation. This forecast will be made available to skippers. In case of accident, the unit will be specifcally monitoring the area.

Sharing the adventure with afficionados and the public at large

Durring the course of the race, Météo-France’s forecasts will be displayed on the Vendée Globe’s website and mobile apps. Internet users will be able to check on the weather conditions each skipper is facing in real-time. A special Vendée Globe topic will also be added to Météo-France’s website.

From October 20th to November 11th, Météo-France will be present in the Vendée Globe Village at Les Sables d’Olonne. Among the features : presentation of marine services, daily weather briefs, a marine weather quizz for kids during the Autumn school-break.

Météo-France SportsIn 2007, Météo-France launched Météo-France Sports. Specialised in providing support to sporting events, this unit is made up of fifteen experts in disciplines such as sailing, tennis, mountaneering, car racing and aviation events.

MaxSea International is the leader in the development and integration of marine navigation software. This French company is renowned worldwide thanks to the success of its main family of products, MaxSea Marine Navigation Software, which are suitable for sailing, fishing and shipping.

With more than 35,000 installations worldwide, MaxSea products are sold in 25 countries on 5 continents. They are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Dutch, French, Icelandic, German, Chinese and Thai.

Through MapMedia, a subsidiary specialized in digital cartography and Raster data treatment, MaxSea International offers more than 6,000 nautical charts from around the world, including Vector charts from Jeppesen and Navionics data.

In order to ensure the reliability and richness of its data, MapMedia signs official agreements with local hydrographic services, which guarantees the outstanding quality of all MaxSea products.

Besides its very reliable cartography, MaxSea has many complementary products that enhance the performance of its marine navigation software. Modules, satellite photos and tides optimize our users experience in racing, fishing or sailing.

MaxSea International, official supplier of the Vendée Globe 2012

More informations on : www.maxsea.comMarketing Manager MaxSea International : Marcela Ureta / Phone : +33 559.43.81.09 / Skype: marcelau

Press Contact : Anne Faye –Anne Orliac / Phone : +33 (0) 1 7794 7132 or 7136 / [email protected]

(5) p

artn

ers

46

Contacts :MANY PLAYERS www.manyplayers.com / www.virtualregatta.com :

Philippe Guigné / Maxime Bernard : +33 1 45 34 09 13, [email protected]

9, rue neuve Saint Germain, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt

Contact : Ségolène Guiho - Communication service - Phone : 02 51 49 48 10

Vendée Tech – Repro Tech: official service provider of the ‘Vendée Globe’ Created in 2002, Vendée Tech - Repro Tech offers two specific services:The office automation service of Vendée Tech (authorized dealer of Canon and Océ products), with its solutions for printing and its softwares for document management. The photocopy service provided by Repro Tech adapted for professionals and to a larger non professional public.Our Company generates a turnover of 3.4 million euros and increases its average growth by 25%. Vendée Tech - Repro Tech, is a strong presence in Vendée and in the surrounding countries, it is also a team formed by 26 people among whom 7 experienced technicians, and the highest Canon certification in Vendée. We follow companies in the building and development of their data management systems. Our innovative minds helped us to follow the Vendée Globe for the third edition, it is a real challenging experience for our structure which will provide during 5 months the equivalent of a multinational company’s contribution.Our business will be scanning and printing all the documents relative to the Vendée Globe, either in black and white or in full colors, in different sizes with products and softwares from the Canon group (Canon and Océ, leaders on the market). Our challenge: To tool up the Montparnasse Tower in Paris, The port of Les Sables d’Olonne, the Press Center – which gathers over a thousand journalists who need to scan their work to their editing services – and satisfy all our clients during these 5 months of sailing…

Vendée Tech - Repro Tech is the document spirit !

Taking advantage of the massive success with the 2008-09 Virtual Vendée Globe with more than 340.000 players, Virtual Regatta & SAEM Vendée are proud to join forces again to create the biggest virtual regatta. During last edition, www.wirtualregatta.com generated close to 1 billion pages views, an unbeaten record.

Innovation is key of 2012-13 project. To reach the goal of 500 000 players (with a overall capacity of 1M) the game will be available on computers, mobile devices, and tabs and of course available through facebook & Twitter. Game will be published in French, English & Spanish. Another major innovation is the new “Virtual Prologue”. It will allow massive audience to directly compete with Skippers & official Teams in October on an Atlantic race course, from Vendée of course. Numerous innovations will be offered such as Iceberg areas, boat sitting and many more…

Virtual Regatta remains simple & accessible to everyone.

Since 2008-09 Vendée, more than 1 million players, from France & other countries, registered on Virtual Regatta, which has become the most powerful nautical website in the whole world. Quickly noticing the power of the game to attract people to sailing world, the French Sailing Federation recognised Virtual Regatta as an official discipline and delivers an award to the French Virtual Sailor each year, here come the full circle! But still so many has to be invented!

Philippe Guigné, Many Players founder: “Vendée Globe 2008-09 was a revelation for us. We were expecting less than 150.000 players; we reached 340.000 passionate sailors. We barely slept, but what a pleasure! We thank SAEM, once again they, follow us in this project more innovative, notably with the “Virtual Prologue”. You used to watch sport, now with Many Players, you enter the competition!

(5) p

artn

ers

47

Beneteau an indispensable partner for major events

World leader in the design and the construction of sailing yachts, Beneteau is also a key player in the motorboat market. Committed to a growth strategy sustained by the creation of new ranges, innovation and industrial performance, the company based in Vendée has forged itself a reputation of reliability. This is why they are often approached to become a partner of major sailing events. Exclusive supplier of motorboats for the London 2012 Olympic Games, Beneteau has also just been selected as Official Provider for the Vendée Globe 2012. Beneteau will lend its expertise to this magnificent single-handed race round the world for the third consecutive time, and the Antares and Swift Trawler ranges will be very much in evidence during the start and finish. In all, 22 motorboats and as many experienced drivers will be placed at the disposal of the organizers. Fast and extremely seaworthy, of all the Beneteau ranges, the Antares are among the most suitable for taking journalists, photographers and cameramen close to the event, in weather conditions that are sometimes difficult at this time of year. The Swift Trawler range, reputed for its great comfort will be aimed more at embarking VIPs. To enable its customers and dealer network to take part in this very popular event, Beneteau will make arrangements for their reception and will take them on board the Flyer 7.50, at the start in Sables d'Olonne.

BENETEAU – Press Release – June 2012www.beneteau.com

[email protected]

Press Contact :Pierre d’Herouel – [email protected] 01 47 22 77 35Julie Clerambourg – [email protected] 01 43 12 88 00

Vicomte A. official dresser of Vendée Globe

Vicomte A. has been chosen by SAEM Vendée as the official dresser of the 2012-2013 edition of Vendée Globe starting on the 10th of November 2012. Vicomte A. will be equipping the 250 members of the races’ organization. Throughout this partnership, Vicomte A. will equip the officials, the zodiac pilots that will deal with the boats and the organizers with the following package : - 1 parka- 1 cap- 2 long sleeved polo shirts- 1 shirt- 1 windbreaker

Using the Vendée Globe colors and textile techniques adapted for sea racing, the whole package will be made by Vicomte A. and will bear their logo.Vicomte A. will also be dressing the TV presenters following the race with different clothes from different collections.For Vicomte A. this is another great partnership like the ones already done with Trophée Bailli Suffren, le Yacht Club de Deauville, les Voiles de Noirmoutier or the prestigious Moonbeam 4.About Vicomte A.

Vicomte A. is a fashion brand that now has 400 different retailers all over the world. Having lines for Men, Women and kids, the different collections are illustrated by lots of colors, great quality and an unlimited attention to detail.

(5) p

artn

ers

48

(6)press contacts list

49

ACCIONA 100% ECOPOWEREDHelena [email protected]+34 609 481 394

AKENA VERANDAS Aurélie [email protected]+33 (0)6 87 84 38 99

BANQUE POPULAIRE Charline [email protected] +33 (0)6 58 58 79 65

BUREAU VALLEECharlotte [email protected]+33 (0)6 21 39 49 05

CHEMINEES POUJOULAT Fanny [email protected]+33 (0)6 48 14 25 04

GAMESA Emily [email protected]+44 77 85 56 59 29

GROUPE BEL Julia [email protected]+33 (0)6 63 58 81 48

HUGO BOSS Eleanor [email protected]+44 75 1529 4473

INITIATIVES CŒUR Lucie [email protected] +33 (0)6 13 97 19 43

MACIF Aline BOURGEOIS

[email protected]+33 (0)6 86 44 27 46

MAÎTRE COQ Laurence CARAË[email protected]+33 (0)6 80 66 30 69

MIRABAUDBernard [email protected]+41 793 321 176

PRBFabienne [email protected]+33 (0)6 87 25 83 15

SAFRANSoazig [email protected]+33 (0)6 62 08 75 44

SAVEOLCathy [email protected]+33 (0)6 14 04 17 16

SYNERCIELLaurent [email protected]+33 (0)6 80 87 91 34

TEAM PLASTIQUEDelphine [email protected]+33 (0)6 43 30 30 31

VIRBAC PAPREC 3Anne-Charlotte [email protected]+33 (0)6 12 38 20 14

VOTRE NOM AUTOUR DU MONDECédric [email protected]+33 (0)1 42 56 60 68

Press contacts list

(6) P

ress

cont

acts

list

50

(7)Vendée Globe contacts list

51

Organisation: SAEM VENDEE – 33 rue de l’Atlantique – BP 206 – 85005 La Roche-sur-Yon Cedex - FrancePhone: +33 (0)2 51 44 91 07 – Fax : +33 (0)2 51 62 36 73President: Bruno RetailleauGeneral Director: Guillaume Henry ([email protected])Communication Director: Antoine Robin ([email protected])Executive Assistant: Stéphanie Ruchaud ([email protected])

Sport Direction: AMBROSE LIGHTRace Director: Denis Horeau ([email protected])Mob: +33 (0)6 07 46 49 02Assistant Race Director: Guillaume Evrard ([email protected])Mob: +33 (0)6 72 64 69 81Race Direction Assistant: Noémie Bigot ([email protected])Phone: +33 (0)6 26 45 30 85

Press Relations: LILIANE FRETTE COMMUNICATION French press contact: Cathy Sibot ([email protected])Phone: +33 (0)1 42 56 60 63 Mob: +33 (0)6 61 30 03 73International press contact: Sabina Mollart-Rogerson ([email protected])Mob: +34 (0)6 66 75 95 30

Editorial: MEDIA 365Project Director: David Chevalier ([email protected])Phone: +33 (0)1 49 11 64 11 Mob : +33 (0)6 61 37 37 23Editor-in-chief: Jean-Moïse Dubourg ([email protected])Phone: +33 (0)1 49 11 64 23 Mob : +33 (0)6 61 11 85 13

Artistic design agency: DESIGNE.FRCreative Director: Nicolas Gilles ([email protected])Phone: +33 (0)2 30 83 65 33 Mob : +33 (0)6 12 04 64 51

Image production: NEFERTITIProduction Director: Hervé Borde ([email protected])Mob: +33 (0)6 09 67 85 52 Technical Director: Olivier Broutin ([email protected])Mob: +33 (0)6 83 82 24 25

Distribution d’images: ASOResponsable distribution Tv: Christian Schmitz ([email protected]) Phone: +33 (0)1 41 33 46 22Distribution TV: Cédric Rampelberg ([email protected]) Phone: +33 (0)1 41 33 14 92

Website: ADDVISO - http://www.addviso.comProject Director: Vincent Esnaud ([email protected])Mob: +33 (0)6 66 40 25 26Consulting Project Manager: Fabien Laurens Berge ([email protected]) Mob: +33 (0)6 99 68 25 26

Mobile and tablet applications: NETCO SPORTSGeneral Director: Stanislas de Villelongue ([email protected])Phone: +33 (0)1 44 83 06 67

2012-2013 VENDEE GLOBE CONTACTS LIST

(7) V

endé

e Gl

obe

cont

acts

list

S.A.E.M. VENDÉE - 33 rue de l’AtlantiqueBP 206 - 85005 La Roche-sur-Yon Cedex

Tél. : +33 (0)2 51 44 91 07 - Fax : +33 (0)2 51 62 36 73www.vendeeglobe.org

Conception : SAEM Vendée - Editorial content production : Media365 - Creation : N. Gilles / designe.fr

Photo credits : ACCIONA 100% ECOPOWERED : Jésus Renedo / ACCIONA 100% ECOPOWERED, AKENA VERANDAS : Benoît Stichelbaut / AKENA VERANDAS, BANQUE POPULAIRE : Benoît Stichelbaut / BPCE, BUREAU VALLEE : Marcel Mochet, CHEMINEES POUJOULAT : Thierry Martinez / SEA&CO, GAMESA : Lloyd Images, GROUPE BEL : Portrait : Richard Sprang - Boat : Guilain Grenier, HUGO BOSS : C. Launay,

INITIATIVES-COEUR : Stéphanie Gaspari, MACIF : Portrait : Alexis Courcoux / Macif - Boat : Vincent Curutchet / MACIF, MAÎTRE COQ : Yvan Zedda, MIRABAUD : Portrait : Jean-Guy Python / MIRABAUD - Boat : Thierry Martinez / MIRABAUD, PRB : Benoît Stichelbaut / PRB, SAFRAN : Portrait : Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / SAFRAN - Boat : Christophe Launay / DPPI / SAFRAN, , SAVEOL : Portrait : KAKEMONO, Boat : Vincent Curutchet,

SYNERCIEL : Vincent Curutchet / Dark Frame / SynerCiel, TEAM PLASTIQUE : Jacques Boulissière, VIRBAC PAPREC 3 : Yvan Zedda, VOTRE NOM AUTOUR DU MONDE : Marc Gauthier / Votre Nom autour du Monde.