Sailing competition
The 2004–2005 Vendée Globe was a non-stop solo round-the-world yacht race for IMOCA 60 class yachts. The fifth edition of the race started on 7 November 2004[1] from Les Sables-d'Olonne.
Summary
The start of the 2004 race was watched by an estimated 300,000 people,[citation needed] which took place in mild weather.[citation needed] A fast start was followed by a few minor equipment problems, allowing the first racers to cross the equator just after 10 days.[citation needed] This was three days faster than the previous race, with all of the starters still sailing.[citation needed]
Attrition began on entry into the Roaring Forties: Alex Thomson diverted to Cape Town to make unassisted repairs and continue racing.[citation needed] The fleet encountered a number of other problems. Hervé Laurent retired with serious rudder problems, Thomson abandoned, and Conrad Humphreys anchored to make unassisted rudder repairs.[citation needed] Gear problems and abandonments continued, then the fleet ran into an area of ice, and Sébastien Josse hit an iceberg head-on.[2]
The lead changed several times as the fleet re-entered the Atlantic.[citation needed] The race remained close right to the finish, which saw three boats finish within 29 hours.[3]
The first Race Director Denis Horeau returned to the role after 15 years to head the event management team.[4]
Results
Entries
Participants gallery
Participant facts equipment
Twenty skippers started the race a qualification passage was required to validate the registration of each boat, this course could have been carried out as part of another sailing race.
References
External links