PredictWind Forms IMOCA Partnership for Vendèe Globe 2024
by Casey Hodges 22 Oct 16:07 PDT
23 October 2024
The IMOCA start of the Transat Jacques Vabre departure from Le Havre, France, on November 07, 2023 © Jean-Marie Liot
PredictWind, a global leader in marine weather forecasting, has announced its official collaboration with IMOCA – one of the most thrilling and fastest offshore yacht racing classes – to serve as the exclusive Weather Data Supplier for the Vendée Globe 2024.
The 10th edition of this prestigious solo round-the-world sailing race will benefit from PredictWind’s state-of-the-art weather technology, empowering the fleet of IMOCA monohulls to tackle tough weather conditions and maximize their success chances on their formidable 40,000km ocean expedition.
This year, PredictWind is also set to engage fans in the Vendée Globe experience through a world-first Race Weather Centre that allows them to follow the race and predict routes, along with a new Virtual Regatta Routing Tool offering enthusiasts a chance to test their navigational skills in an exciting virtual event.
“We are thrilled to support the Vendée Globe, the apex of offshore racing, by providing top-notch weather insights,” stated Jon Bilger, Founding Director at PredictWind. “This competition exemplifies human endurance and talent, and we are privileged to contribute to the success of these extraordinary sailors in their global pursuit, while also bringing fans into the midst of the action.”
The Best Weather Data for the World’s Elite Sailors
The Vendée Globe is famed for its extreme challenges. As the designated weather partner, PredictWind will supply advanced forecasting data to assist competitors in strategizing and better navigating the unpredictable conditions presented by the race. With access to top-tier weather data, all participants will be well-prepared to make strategic decisions that enhance both safety and performance.
About the Vendée Globe
The Vendée Globe represents the ultimate challenge in solo sailing, occurring every four years and known for its arduous, nonstop, unassisted journey around the globe. Competitors depart from Les Sables-d’Olonne in France, sailing past the legendary capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn before returning to the starting point. This race not only attracts elite sailors worldwide but also inspires fans and fellow sailors with its unparalleled blend of adventure, endurance, and resilience.
World-First Race Weather Centre for Vendée Globe
PredictWind will immerse fans in the action through a new Race Weather Centre, allowing them to track the Vendée Globe fleet in real-time and discover the weather conditions they will encounter. A global first, this specialized centre enables viewers to see each boat’s projected route calculated by PredictWind’s cutting-edge Weather Routing technology, as well as view data such as boat speed, heading, and weather conditions in real-time and for future predictions.