Last night and this morning, four sailors, Isabelle Joschke (19th), Jean Le Cam (20th), Conrad Colman (21st), and Giancarlo Pedote (22nd), crossed the finish line after a grueling 85 days at sea. From Joschke's resilience to Colman's ecological prowess, and from Le Cam's seasoned expertise to Pedote's perseverance, each skipper left a unique mark on this spectacular 10th edition of the Vendée Globe.
Isabelle Joschke: A Personal Triumph at the Edge of the World
At 00:28 on February 4, 2025, Isabelle Joschke completed the Vendée Globe 2024 in 19th place, after 85 days, 11 hours, 26 minutes, and 36 seconds of racing. For the Franco-German sailor, this was more than just a race; it represented a formidable comeback from her 2020 attempt, which ended prematurely due to a major keel issue.
During this edition, she faced the complete breakage of her starboard foil in the Pacific, but her fighting spirit and iron will enabled her to overcome these challenges. Isabelle Joschke sailed 29,660 miles, averaging 14.46 knots, finishing 20 days, 16 hours, and 3 minutes behind the winner. "This 19th place brings immense joy and a true sense of personal achievement. I've done the work, and this arrival tastes even sweeter after overcoming so many difficulties," she shared upon finishing.
Jean Le Cam: 'King Jean' Continues His Legendary Journey
At 04:53 on the same day, 65-year-old Jean Le Cam crossed the Vendée Globe finish line in 20th place after 85 days, 15 hours, and 51 minutes of racing. His sixth consecutive participation might not be memorable in terms of ranking, but "King Jean" once again demonstrated his incredible resilience. With a new straight-keel boat, he was a vibrant presence in the race, performing daring feats and climbing the mast three times to resolve technical issues. His fighting spirit and sea-faring experience prevailed against all odds. "I never missed a chance to put on a show. It was another Vendée Globe true to the sailor's spirit, with all its ups and downs," he said.
Conrad Colman: The 'Crazy Kiwi' and His Ecological Feat
Less than 20 minutes after Jean Le Cam, at 05:06, Conrad Colman finished the race in 21st place after 85 days, 16 hours, and 4 minutes. The New Zealander, known as the "Crazy Kiwi," had a race filled with risks. His second Vendée Globe was notable for his commitment to sustainability; he managed to complete the race without using any fossil fuels, a remarkable achievement in offshore racing. "It's truly satisfying to have completed this ecological challenge while maintaining an aggressive tactical approach. I'm pleased to have experienced this race to the fullest and overcome the challenges that came my way," he commented upon arrival.
Giancarlo Pedote: A Race Defined by Perseverance
Finally, at 09:34 on February 4, 2025, Italian sailor Giancarlo Pedote, aboard Prysmian, crossed the finish line in 22nd place after 85 days, 20 hours, and 32 minutes at sea. While his ranking was modest, he delivered a strong performance under challenging conditions, utilizing his experience and tactical acumen to try and close the gap with the leaders. Giancarlo Pedote maintained an average speed of 14.17 knots over a course of 29,193 miles. "This Vendée Globe was a real challenge. Staying focused and optimistic after so many days at sea wasn't easy, but every minute counted," he reflected after finishing.