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
Sébastien Simon takes the lead for the first time, but only for four hours.
Sébastien regains the lead, again for four hours
Sébastien Simon sets a new 24-hour speed record (615.33 miles or 1,139.6 km) in a solo race, 35.47 miles more than the previous record held by Yoann Richomme.
Sébastien is the only skipper to follow Charlie Dalin into the heart of a depression in the Indian Ocean, when the other skippers opt for a more cautious route around it. He will thus open up a significant gap with the rest of the fleet.
The starboard foil breaks as Groupe Dubreuil progresses towards Australia. "On the port tack, I will lose around 30% of speed," he confides.
Sébastien Simon is slightly further north than Charlie Dalin and regains the lead, keeping it for 16 hours.
Sébastien rounds Cape Horn, one day after Yoann Richomme and Charlie Dalin. He savours the moment, saying: "I never would have imagined being third at Cape Horn!"
Third at the equator, Sébastien consolidates his place on the podium a little more, having extended his lead on fourth placed Jérémie Beyou to almost 1,500 miles.
Home town hero Sebastien Simon completes this Vendee Globe podium in style
