A challenge met to the end
After 117 days at sea, Belgian skipper Denis Van Weynbergh crossed the line in Les Sables d'Olonne on Saturday, March 8, 2025, marking the end of an extraordinary adventure. The only competitor with a 100% volunteer team, he overcame numerous technical problems, including the impossibility of fully hoisting his mainsail for almost two weeks. Although he was outside the official deadline, since the line closed at 8am on March 7, he nevertheless insisted on going all the way, welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd. To date, he is the only solo round-the-world competitor to complete his racing adventure after the line closed.
Time-consuming preparation
Launched into the Vendée Globe adventure in 2018, Denis has struggled to raise finance and prepare his IMOCA, launched in 2014. Comparing his challenge to "a Belgian 3rd division club in the Champions League", he multiplied races and training sessions to hone his technique and mental stamina.
A path strewn with pitfalls
Right from the start of his race, difficulties piled up: windvane failures, electronic problems and a damaged mainsail forced him to sail with three reefs, slowing his progress. Despite this, he managed to stay on course, enjoying every moment and living his childhood dream.
A gruelling but triumphant finale
The last few days were marked by demanding weather conditions and intense fatigue. Although he knew as early as March 6 that he would not finish within the allotted time, he hung in there, motivated by the goal of getting back to Les Sables-d'Olonne. His arrival was greeted by a capacity crowd, celebrating his resilience and commitment, and putting a definitive end to this 10th Vendée Globe.
A dive into a historic edition
The Vendée Globe 2024 made a lasting impression with its 40 skippers at the start and its share of intense emotions. A never-before-seen 52-minute documentary offers an up-close immersion with the sailors, retracing this 10th edition through exclusive testimonials and spectacular images.
A race rich in suspense and exploits
From the breathless duel between Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme to the revelation of Sébastien Simon and the fierce battle for 4th place, each skipper has written his own story. Moments of triumph, doubt and resilience combine to create a vibrant, human tale.
Striking portraits
The film highlights the determination of Justine Mettraux, the sincerity of Violette Dorange, the emotion of Thomas Ruyant, the wisdom of Jean Le Cam, the joy of Sam Goodchild and the strength of Jingkun Xu. Through their voices, the public discovers an exceptional human adventure, where the sea puts bodies and spirits to the test.
An invitation to relive the intensity of the open sea
With educational explanations of trajectories and technical challenges, this documentary is aimed at both sailing enthusiasts and the general public. It's a captivating odyssey that captures the full grandeur of the Vendée Globe, with its blend of commitment, passion and self-improvement.
