Sébastien Simon finishes 3rd in the 2024 Vendée Globe
by Vendée Globe media 16 Jan 23:15 EST
17 January 2025
Sébastien Simon aboard Groupe Dubreuil finishes 3rd in the Vendée Globe 2024 © Vincent Curutchet / Alea
French skipper Sébastien Simon crossed the Vendée Globe finish line in third place* at 00h27 (UTC) on Friday January 17, after 67 days, 12 hours and 25 minutes of racing, finishing 2 days and 17 hours behind the overall winner.
It's the first time a sailor from Les Sables d'Olonne, where the legendary solo round the world race starts and finishes has finished on the podium. The Groupe Dubreuil skipper's race was marked by multiple challenges which contrasted sharply with moments of great success. He smashed the record for the greatest distance covered solo in 24 hours, setting a new mark at 615.33 miles.
Breaking his starboard foil could have compromised his chances, yet he showed extraordinary determination to remain on the podium. Simon also distinguished himself with a bold tactical choice in the Indian Ocean depression, as did race winner Charlie Dalin.
He will now wait until 0700UTC for his passage up the famed Les Sables d'Olonne channel, when the public will celebrate this remarkable Vendéen sailor who, through dogged determination and perseverance, has added a compelling chapter to the story of a legendary race.
* Before jury
Race in figures:
- Arrival time (UTC): Friday 17 January 2025 at 00h27
- Race time: 67d 12h 25min 37s
- Difference from first: 2d 17h 02min 48s
- Sébastien SIMON covered theoretical course of 23,906 miles at an average speed of 14.75 knots
- Sébastien SIMON covered an actual course of 27,807 miles at an average speed of 17.16 knots
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