The Vendée Globe is probably, along with the Route du Rhum and the Olympic Games, the sailing race with the highest public profile in France. This event has many ingredients to fascinate a large public. The sporting aspect, the technological development of the boats, the human adventure, the course, the popular enthusiasm, the virtual version... all these ingredients, as well as a high-level organisation, are a real asset.

The French Sailing Federation is well aware of the importance of the event, and it is for this reason that since its creation it has been at the side of the organisers to defend this heritage of French Sailing. Thus, as recently, when its organisation is threatened, the FFVoile does not hesitate to accompany the organisers so that, together, we can promote the importance of this event.

Beyond the sporting and festive aspects, the Vendée Globe is the emerging part of an ecosystem. From a sporting point of view, it is a goal for many racers, but it is also the reason for the commitment of many brands that accompany professional teams. Teams that employ many people internally, and that also offer the services of highly specialised service providers whose know-how is the envy of many other countries.

The FFVoile's involvement in the success of the Vendée Globe is manifold. On the pontoons in Les Sables d'Olonne, it is above all concerned with the fairness of the sport and the safety of the competitors. By carrying out boat inspections and monitoring the race, the FFVoile ensures the success of the sailors. Further upstream, the Federation's teams participate in the preparatory work for the qualifications with the IMOCA Class, it attests to the competence of the Race Direction, and in its "Pôle France Course au Large", the FFVoile accompanies the sailors in their sporting preparation.

Because before being on the start line in Les Sables d'Olonne, the Vendée Globe skippers were young sailors. Firstly, within their sailing club, where they discovered the pleasures of the game of racing. Then later during major regional and national competitions, during which they climbed the podium. A number of them also took part in national delegations or national selections, under the aegis of the FFVoile, which enabled them to take their first steps in international or ocean racing competitions. Armel Le Cléach and François Gabart, to name but the last two winners, took their first steps in their respective clubs and grew up within the federation.