Despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges throughout his journey, French sailor Louis Duc completed his first Vendée Globe on Sunday, after 91 days at sea. Crossing the finish line in the 26th position, Duc demonstrated exceptional perseverance, fulfilling his lifelong dream of completing a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe.
On February 9, 2025, at precisely 1:10 PM, Duc made landfall after three months of intense sailing. Aboard his IMOCA, the Fives Group – Lantana Environnement, which he personally rebuilt following a fire in 2019, he conquered the oceans' trials to reach Les Sables d’Olonne in 26th place. Duc's race, although not reflective of his true performance at sea, was marked by his unwavering commitment and remarkable resourcefulness. "It's frustrating, but that's how it is," Duc remarked, addressing the numerous challenges that dotted his course.
Tough Early Days
Just four days into the race, the French skipper witnessed his large spinnaker tear, significantly impacting his speed for the remainder of the race. Yet, Duc never gave up, compensating with smart and strategic navigation. As he sailed down the South Atlantic, he cleverly used his position to temporarily lead his group, crossing the equator in 23rd position, remaining upbeat despite the hardships, jokingly noting, “Head over heels, the boat on its side! I’ll save my offerings for Neptune for tonight, when it’s calmer!”
The Indian and Pacific Oceans: Resilience and Repairs
Known for his daring, Duc plunged southward upon entering the Indian Ocean, tackling ferocious conditions. Before Cape Leeuwin, as he faced gusts over 60 knots, he suffered another setback with the breakdown of his starboard rudder's connecting rod and his hydrogenerator support. Nevertheless, he adeptly turned into a makeshift repairman to keep his IMOCA functional. Despite these challenges, Duc set a personal record by covering 469 nautical miles in 24 hours, closing the gap with his competitors. However, lacking a spinnaker, he struggled to capitalize on this performance and saw his rivals overtake him as they entered the Pacific.
Rounding Cape Horn and the Return in the Atlantic
After braving a daunting storm that some competitors chose to avoid, Duc rounded Cape Horn in 26th place. Although a moment of relief, his autopilot was now limited, a significant handicap in managing the calmer conditions of the South Atlantic. Despite these obstacles, Duc remained combative, climbing to 24th place along the Brazilian coast. Yet, the elements continued to challenge him: in the final days of the race, he suffered a broken daggerboard, but he never lost his enthusiasm and determination throughout this extraordinary adventure, stating, "I don’t know when I’ll have the chance to experience moments like these again, I won’t let it slip by."
With these words, Louis Duc's journey in the Vendée Globe not only tested his sailing abilities but also highlighted his incredible spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.
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