On 12 November 2028, from Les Sables d’Olonne, a new generation of sailors will embark on the ultimate sailing challenge: circumnavigating the globe solo, non-stop, and without assistance aboard IMOCA 18-metre monohulls. To date, only 100 skippers have completed this feat, known as the ‘Everest’ of the seas.
The Vendée Globe, now in its 11th edition and marking its 40th anniversary, remains true to its unique ethos while evolving to remain relevant. The race’s 2028 edition will introduce several new rules aimed at enhancing the event’s integrity and inclusiveness.
Registration will officially open 1,000 days before the race start date. On 16 February 2026, skippers will be able to apply for their place at the starting line after demonstrating their experience through prior significant races.
A key change in the qualification criteria states that participants must have completed at least one Grade 2 solo race on the 2025-2028 IMOCA calendar, using the same boat that will be raced in the Vendée Globe, without exceeding twice the winner’s time. They also must rank among the top 37 in the IMOCA Globe Series championship, which is determined by a points system based on race results, with allowances made for competitors’ diversity and experiences.
Alain Leboeuf, President of the Vendée Globe and the Vendée Department, stated that the new qualification system strikes a balance between sporting fairness and the recognition of different backgrounds and projects. The organisers will also grant three wild cards to ensure a fleet of 40 participants.
The Vendée Globe will also focus on sustainability, requiring each skipper to carry at least one scientific instrument to aid ocean preservation efforts. Additionally, from 2028, skippers must target energy self-sufficiency based on renewable sources during their journey, reducing reliance on fossil fuels to emergency situations only. This shift emphasizes innovation in sustainable energy solutions amid buoyed competition.
The first qualifying event ahead of the race will be the Vendée Arctique, commencing from Les Sables d’Olonne on 7 June 2026, making it ideal for skippers to showcase their adaptability to extreme ocean conditions.
In conclusion, the upcoming Vendée Globe promises to be a profound mix of adventure, competition, and commitment to environmental stewardship, as sailors push their limits while advocating for ocean conservation.
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