First skippers expected mid-January
Tension is mounting as the first competitors in the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 approach Les Sables-d'Olonne. According to the ETAs (Estimated Time of Arrival) published by the race directors, Charlie Dalin on MACIF Santé Prévoyance and Yoann Richomme on PAPREC ARKÉA could cross the line between January 14 and 15, 2025. These regularly updated ETAs take into account weather routing and boat performance.
Sébastien Simon (GROUPE DUBREUIL) is due to follow between January 16 and 18, while Thomas Ruyant (VULNÉRABLE) and Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) are scheduled to arrive from January 21.
How are ETAs issued?
ETAs are drawn up by the race directors in partnership with meteorological experts. They take into account the average speed of the skippers, weather conditions and the condition of the boats. While these estimates become more precise as the competitors get closer, they remain subject to the vagaries of the sea, as the race directors explain:
"ETAs are updated daily, with adjustments every four hours as arrivals approach."
Track arrivals in real time
Several channels allow you to follow the arrivals live. A dedicated page on the official Vendée Globe website provides regular ETA updates.
For the fans present in Les Sables-d'Olonne, the show promises to be grandiose. The quayside, the traditional meeting point, will be alive with thousands of fans cheering on the heroes of this event.
Line closure scheduled for March 7, 2025
While the leaders will be arriving in January, the arrivals will be spread over several weeks. The line will remain open until March 7, 2025, the deadline for the last skippers. A deadline that reflects the diversity of performances and trajectories of this extraordinary edition.
