9th Edition Vendée Globe: The Finishers Are In

The first skippers of the 9th edition of the Vendée Globe have crossed the finish line. Today we look back at some highlights of this slightly different Vendée Globe — one ultimately won by Yannick Bestaven, skipper of Maître CoQ IV, thanks to time compensations that allowed him to finish ahead of Charlie Dalin, who was the first skipper to physically cross the line.

A Nail-Biting Finish

What a nail-biting finish it was that night! Charlie Dalin, skipper of Apivia, was the first to cross the finish line, but the world had to wait until early that morning to find out who would be the overall winner of the 2020 Vendée Globe. The time compensations awarded to the skippers who deviated from their course to rescue Kevin Escoffier, skipper of PRB, in December changed everything. Yannick Bestaven crossed the line after Charlie Dalin, but he was faster when accounting for this round-the-world sailing race.

What Does the Vendée Globe Winner Win?

Every skipper who crosses the finish line is a winner! They are winners simply for having completed this extraordinary solo adventure. But as in all competitions, there is prize money at stake. This is nothing compared to the value of the ocean-going Formula 1s they race. Here are the prize amounts for the Vendée Globe 9th edition:

• 1st — €200,000

• 2nd — €140,000

• 3rd — €100,000

• 4th — €80,000

• 5th — €50,000

• 6th — €40,000

• 7th — €30,000

• 8th — €25,000

• 9th — €20,000

• 10th — €15,000

Prize money exists, but financial penalties can also be imposed. Failure to respect logo sizes on the boats, for example, can result in fines of €500 to €2,000. Failure to comply with rules regarding attendance at official receptions or briefings carries a penalty of €10,000. €2,000 for failing to comply with safety equipment rules, and €10,000 for non-attendance at the prize-giving ceremony.

The overall winner of the Vendée Globe also receives an iconic trophy from the race — one that Yannick Bestaven proudly raised above his head on his arrival in Les Sables.

Women in the Spotlight at This Vendée Globe

Although the word "sailor" traditionally had no feminine form, there were 6 women taking part in this 9th edition of the Vendée Globe. It is the first time so many women skippers have competed in the Vendée Globe. This year these 6 women set off on this extraordinary adventure and sporting challenge.

6 Women with Sporting and Solidarity Ambitions!

• Sam Davies (Initiatives Cœur)

• Isabelle Joschke (MACSF)

• Clarisse Crémer (Banque Populaire)

• Alexia Barrier (4myPlanet)

• Pip Hare (Pip Hare Ocean Racing)

• Miranda Merron (Campagne de France)

An Edition Breaking Attendance Records

This 9th edition of the Vendée Globe was a little special given the current health situation. But surprisingly this year, the Vendée Globe start village recorded a record number of visitors! 1.5 million visitors came to the race start village this year. Despite restrictions imposed by the government to prevent gatherings, the fans showed up in force to cheer on the skippers.

After their arrival, the boats of the skippers will head to the boatyard for a refit after more than 80 days at sea battling the elements.

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