Vendée Globe

The Vendée Globe is considered an extreme quest of individual endurance and the ultimate test in ocean racing.

The Open classes are unrestricted in certain aspects, but a box rule governs parameters such as overall length, draught, appendages and stability, as well as numerous other safety features.

[12] The race generally covers approximately 24,000 nautical miles (44,000 km) and runs from November to February, timed to place the competitors in the Southern Ocean during the austral summer.

[13] Additional waypoints may be set in the sailing instructions for a particular race, to ensure safety relative to ice conditions, weather, etc.

[15] The competitors may stop at anchor, but may not draw alongside a quay or another vessel; they may receive no outside assistance, including customised weather or routing information.