PredictWind announces IMOCA partnership for Vendèe Globe 2024

The Imoca start of the Transat Jacques Vabre escape from in Le Havre, France, on November 07, 2023 © Jean-Marie Liot

Global leader in marine weather forecasting, PredictWind, has announced its official partnership with IMOCA - one of the fastest and most exciting offshore yacht racing classes - to become the exclusive Weather Data Supplier for the Vendée Globe 2024.

The 10th edition of the prestigious solo round-the-world sailing race will be bolstered by PredictWind’s cutting-edge weather technology, enabling the fleet of IMOCA monohulls to navigate challenging weather conditions and maximise their chances of success on their epic 40,000km open ocean journey.

This year, PredictWind will also bring fans into the Vendée Globe action thanks to a world-first Race Weather Centre where they can follow the race and predict routes, and a new Virtual Regatta Routing Tool which allows armchair sailors to test their own navigation skills through an exciting virtual race.

“We’re excited to support the Vendée Globe, the pinnacle of offshore racing, by delivering world-class weather insights,” said Jon Bilger, Founding Director at PredictWind. “This race is a testament to human endurance and skill, and we are honoured to play a role in helping these exceptional sailors succeed in their global challenge, alongside bringing fans into the heart of the action.”

The Best Weather Data for the World's Best Sailors

Vendée Globe is renowned for its extreme challenges. As the official weather partner, PredictWind will provide advanced forecasting data to aid competitors in their strategy and better navigate the unpredictable conditions that the race presents. With world leading weather data provided, all competitors will be well-equipped to make strategic decisions that enhance both safety and performance.

About the Vendée Globe

The Vendée Globe is the ultimate test in solo sailing, taking place every four years and known for its gruelling, non-stop, non-assisted route around the world. Competitors set sail from Les Sables-d’Olonne in France, navigating past the legendary capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn before returning to the starting point. This race not only attracts elite sailors from across the globe but also inspires fans and fellow sailors with its unmatched combination of adventure, endurance, and resilience.

World First Race Weather Centre for Vendée Globe

PredictWind will bring fans into the action through a new Race Weather Centre where they can follow the Vendée Globe fleet in real-time and find out what weather conditions they will be sailing into. A world-first, the dedicated centre means viewers will be able to see the projected route of each boat calculated by PredictWind’s world-leading Weather Routing technology and view data including boat speed, heading, and weather conditions, in real-time and in the future.