2024-2025 Vendée Globe, Sydney Hobart, Bermuda Gold Cup, and the International Women’s Championship
by David Schmidt 5 Nov 08:00 PST
November 5, 2024
Dock at Lorient – 2024-25 Vendée Globe – October 2024 – Lorient © Vincent Curutchet / DPPI / Vendée Globe
A look at a map of Bellingham, Washington, reveals that the town sits at the end of the lengthy Strait of Juan de Fuca, which resembles a gun barrel. Powerful Pacific storms frequently batter Washington’s coastline, funneled towards my adopted hometown, with only the beautiful San Juan Islands breaking their aggression. Saying it gets windy here, particularly in the southern areas where I reside, is akin to claiming that AC75s are quick.
Today is no exception. While writing, a significant storm is whipping through the towering firs around my house, reminiscent of blades of grass on a sports pitch, leaving my dog trembling. Weather Underground reports average steady winds in the 30s, with gusts peaking in the 70s.
Although I appreciate the sturdy roof over my head, my thoughts drift toward the 40 skippers who will begin the nonstop solo Vendée Globe race this Sunday, November 10. The winds we are experiencing today in Bellingham will be mere warm-ups for these courageous sailors as they navigate around the planet via the three great capes.
What’s even more remarkable is that many of these sailors will be using foiling technology to traverse the globe.
Maybe I’m starting to mimic my dog, but when the strong winds hit Bellingham, foiling isn’t the first consideration that comes to mind.
North American sailors will have partial representation in this predominantly French affair through Conrad Colman, who will display both New Zealand and American flags aboard MS AMLIN, his 2007 non-foiling IMOCA 60. This year’s Vendée Globe marks Colman’s second attempt to secure offshore sailing’s top prize, and while he may not be racing the fastest or newest vessel, this famous race often prioritizes exceptional seamanship over cutting-edge technology.
After all, one cannot win the Vendée Globe without completing the course, and it’s fair to state that foils are delicate appendages in waters filled with UFOs (which stands for “unidentified floating objects”).
Sail-World extends wishes of good fortune to all Vendée Globe skippers, and we are eager to closely track their journeys around the globe.
In other offshore news, the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Race (December 26, 2024) has closed its entry window with 112 confirmed teams. While the number of supermaxis and TP52s has declined from previous years, nearly half of the fleet consists of boats in the 30-40-foot range, and 23 teams will compete in double-handed categories.
“I am extremely happy to see the entries close with 112 yachts – a fantastic turnout,” stated Sam Haynes, commodore of the Cruising Club of Australia. “We’re especially proud of the continued growth in the Double Handed division since its start in 2021, which has now become a vital aspect of this great race.”
Although racing won’t commence until Boxing Day, North American fans are reminded that—depending on their time zone—the starting gun may sound on Christmas Day, likely between gift-giving and Christmas dinner. (If you’re looking for an excuse to avoid Christmas music, here it is.)
In match-racing news, skipper Johnie Berntsson (SWE) and his Berntsson Sailing Team claimed victory in the 2024 Bermuda Gold Cup (October 27-November 3), narrowly defeating Eric Monnin (SUI) and his Capvis Swiss Match Racing Team. The two teams entered the final race tied at 1-1, but Berntsson and his crew forced a penalty on their competition just before crossing the finish line.
This victory marks Berntsson’s fourth win at the Bermuda Gold Cup and his second consecutive victory in this prestigious match-racing event.
“It was intense racing, and we anticipated [Monnin] and his team would excel in the lighter wind conditions, so we had to give our best performance,” Berntsson commented in an official regatta release. “It all came down to the last 20 meters; it was extremely close, and they pushed hard, but we are thrilled with the win!”
Finally, much closer to home, the New York Yacht Club has announced its inaugural International Women’s Championship (September 12-16, 2026), which will take place in the waters off Newport, Rhode Island, utilizing the club’s fleet of identical IC37 keelboats. This biennial competition will feature two days of practice followed by five days of racing, involving teams of nine or more sailors.
“Our aim is to attract a genuinely international field of top competitors,” remarked Cory Sertl, a world-champion sailor and event chair for this prestigious regatta. “We hope that leading professional sailors from the Olympics, Women’s America’s Cup, and other elite competitions will form teams and race alongside top amateur keelboat sailors. The IC37 presents a fantastic platform that accommodates sailors of various sizes and ages while still encouraging robust, competitive sailing.”
May the four winds guide you safely home.
David Schmidt
Sail-World.com North American Editor
