After Charlie Dalin’s record-breaking win on Tuesday 14 January, Yoann Richomme has taken second place in the 2024\/25 Vend\u00e9e Globe Race Yoann Richomme, skipper of Paprec Ark\u00e9a, has secured an impressive second-place finish in the 2024-2025 Vend\u00e9e Globe, completing his first attempt at the famous race in 65 days, 18 hours, and 10 minutes.
\nArriving at Les Sables d\u2019Olonne at 06:12 UTC on Wednesday January 15, Richomme was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd that had gathered before dawn to celebrate his achievement. As is always the case in Les Sables d\u2019Olonne the spectators lined the iconic channel, cheering and applauding as his boat emerged from the early morning mist. Visibly moved, Richomme smiled and waved, fully immersing himself in the moment.
\nReflecting on his accomplishment, Richomme expressed immense pride and gratitude towards his supporters, stating, \u201cI\u2019m very proud and I think of all the people who helped us, even before, the former sponsors. I\u2019m wanting to share with them as well. It\u2019s been an incredible adventure. We prepared really well. In my head I was ready, I hardly had to tinker, the boat is ready to go again!\u201d
\nYoann Richomme in the final miles of the 2024\/25 Vend\u00e9e Globe. Photo: Jean-Louis Carli
\nIntense battle
\nThroughout the race, Richomme has engaged in a fierce and thrilling duel with eventual winner (and long time offshore racing rival) Charlie Dalin. A pivotal moment occurred in the Indian Ocean when Richomme chose a safer route around a massive low-pressure system, while Dalin and S\u00e9bastien Simon took a more direct path through the storm\u2019s centre.
\nThis decision initially set Richomme back by over 500 miles, but his relentless determination saw him regain the lead by Cape Horn, holding a narrow advantage of nine minutes and 30 seconds over Dalin.
\nThe competition intensified on the return leg northbound in the Atlantic, with Richomme and Dalin exchanging leads in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Despite a setback on January 10, when Richomme\u2019s J0 headsail hook broke resulting in the loss of the sail, he maintained pressure on Dalin until the race\u2019s conclusion.
\nDalin (left) congratulates second placed Richomme in Les Sables d\u2019Olonne. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot
\nDalin ultimately clinched victory on January 14, 2025, setting a new race record of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds, surpassing the previous record by over nine days. He attributed his achievement in part to the intense competition with Richomme, stating that it pushed him to excel.
\nDalin has long had a rivalry with Richomme, dating back nearly a decade. Their battles in the Figaro class were intense, with Richomme narrowly defeating Dalin in the 2016 Solitaire du Figaro by just over five minutes after four stages of racing. The two were also teammates and training partners under the Skipper MACIF program, and their mutual respect continues to push them both to new heights.
\nRichomme\u2019s second-place finish in his first Vend\u00e9e Globe is a testament to his exceptional skill and resilience. Covering the theoretical course of 23,906 miles at an average speed of 15.15 knots, he actually sailed 28,326 miles at an average speed of 17.95 knots.<\/p>\n
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After Charlie Dalin’s record-breaking win on Tuesday 14 January, Yoann Richomme has taken second place in the 2024\/25 Vend\u00e9e Globe Race Yoann Richomme, skipper of Paprec Ark\u00e9a, has secured an impressive second-place finish in the 2024-2025 Vend\u00e9e Globe, completing his … <\/p>\n