All news

Fabrice Amedeo, 32nd in the Vendée Globe

Former political journalist turned ocean racer Fabrice Amedeo completed his second Vendée Globe today Tuesday when he crossed the Les Sables d’Olonne finish line at 14h UTC to take in 32nd place. Only Belgian skipper Denis Van Weynbergh (D’Ieteren Group) is left racing. Amedeo’s elapsed time is 114 days, 01 hour and 58 minutes though his result is somewhat behind his initial hopes and expectations.

LES SABLES D’OLONNE, FRANCE - MARCH 04, 2025 : Nexans - Wewise skipper Fabrice Amedeo (FRA) is celebrating taking 32nd place in the Vendee Globe, on March 04, 2025 in Les Sables d'Olonne, France - (Photo by Jean-Marie Liot / Alea)
LES SABLES D'OLONNE, FRANCE - 04 MARS 2025 : Nexans - Fabrice Amedeo (FRA), skipper de Wewise, fête sa 32ème place dans le Vendée Globe, le 04 mars 2025 aux Sables d'Olonne, France - (Photo by Jean-Marie Liot / Alea)

He completes his race without using fossil fuels and his success reflects a strong determination and drive shown by the skipper of Nexans – Wewise, who was able to combine his personal goals with environmental and scientific objectives. During his round-the-world race he conducted a rigorous program of oceanographic measurements. By collecting data on temperature, salinity, CO₂ levels, microplastic concentrations and analysis of environmental DNA from the surface, he provided the international community with valuable information to inform strategies for preserving the marine ecosystem and to advance the understanding of the effects of climate change.

A former journalist at Le Figaro, Amedeo has transformed his passion for the ocean into a new career. On his first round the world race in 2016-17 in which he finished in 11th place in 103 days, he had already demonstrated his abilities and confirmed his commitment to maritime life. With this experience, he turned his career towards innovative and environmentally friendly sailing.

His races have had their problems. After that promising first participation in 2016-17 his second attempt in 2020-2021 ended prematurely  after 33 days due to a failure of the on-board computer. And then during the 2022 Route du Rhum his boat went on fire and sank, forcing him to start again from scratch. He bought and remodelled Arnaud Boissières' old boat, which allowed him to refocus his priorities. During this new challenge, various technical unforeseen events – an electronic blackout the day after the start, problems with the keel ram, a wind sensor failure, and a muscle strain shortly before entering the Pacific – tested his determination.

Each obstacle overcome strengthened his commitment to providing valuable data for the protection of the oceans. By completing this Vendée Globe, Fabrice Amedeo demonstrates that true success is not measured solely by the final ranking, but by the ability to successfully complete an ambitious project while remaining true to one’s values. His journey, combining perseverance and respect for the environment, serves as a source of inspiration to  all those who dream of a more sustainable future.

Race in figures

Arrival time (UTC)
Race time 114d 01h 58min 49s
Difference from first 49d 06h 36min 00s
Fabrice Amedeo covered theoretical course of 23 906 miles at an average speed of 8.73 knots.
Fabrice Amedeo covered an actual course of 28 926 miles at an average speed of 10.56 knots.

Passage times

A world map showing the Vendée Globe's strategic waypoints
  • Equator (outward) 13d 11h 14min 06s
  • Cape of Good Hope 28d 06h 14min 46s
  • Cape Leeuwin 44d 05h 11min 05s
  • Cape Horn 73d 08h 24min 54s
  • Equator (return) 92d 11h 01min 24s

Race highlights

  • The day after the start, Amedeo  has to deal with electronic problems. "The ocean wanted to test my will from these first days!

  • Fabrice has to fix his pilot ram and and keel hydraulic system problems. "And here we go again, that's the magic of this adventure!"

  • The sailor enjoys conditions "close to cruising conditions" in the North Atlantic. "I think I'm on my honeymoon on the Vendée Globe!"

  • Fabrice launches Ifremer's Argo float into the sea in the South Atlantic. "It will allow us to collect important data to better understand the climate," says the skipper.

  • A difficult Christmas for Fabrice. The sailor fell in his boat, causing a muscle contusion. Then, he “broke some of the rigging” during a mosedive. “I got my New Year’s present early,” he jokes.

  • Legendary passage of Cape Horn. “Even if it’s not the first time, you can never get tired of it,” Fabrice savors.

  • The skipper says he “experienced some very strong personal things in the South Atlantic.” He talks about “cognitive experiences where you feel the absolute,” which would be similar to “the religions of the book.” “It’s a story that will change me enormously.”

  • While in the Doldrums, Fabrice lost his wind information from a sensor at the top of the mast. The magnetic field of a storm cloud is thought to be the cause.

  • Fabrice Amedeo completes his Vendée Globe. This is his third participation, the second time he has finished into Les Sables d’Olonne!

Finish of Fabrice Amedeo 32nd in the Vendée Globe

Share this article

Latest news