Tanguy Le Turquais showcased incredible tenacity in the final days of the Vendée Globe, ultimately finishing 17th after overcoming a frustrating calm at sea. Despite trailing behind his friend, Benjamin Ferré, Tanguy made a thrilling comeback, finishing just 16 minutes apart. Celebrating his achievement with loved ones, he reflected on the emotional journey filled with challenges and personal growth, expressing pride in his resilience throughout the 85-day race.
The final days of the race have been nothing short of exhilarating for Tanguy Le Turquais, who has shown remarkable resilience and determination. The Lazare skipper made an impressive leap in the rankings, climbing three spots to secure 18th place on his 85th day at sea, still trailing behind his friend and competitor. However, as he approached the finish line, a frustrating calm settled in, leaving Tanguy feeling exasperated. ‘It’s torture to have spent three months at sea and to finish in the calm here’, he expressed. But soon, fortune smiled upon him as he caught the perfect gust of wind, allowing him to narrowly surpass Alan Roura. Now in 17th place, Tanguy was determined to finish strong against Benjamin Ferré.
The Thrilling Conclusion of the Vendée Globe
Even though the champion, Charlie Dalin, had already completed the race 21 days earlier, fans of the Vendée Globe were treated to a nail-biting finale, with four sailors crossing the finish line within mere minutes of each other. On February 3, Damien Seguin initiated the final rush, securing 15th position. The battle intensified as Tanguy Le Turquais and Benjamin Ferré vied for position, but ultimately, it was Ferré of Monnoyeur-Duo For a Job who finished first off the coast of Les Sables-d’Olonne. Tanguy Le Turquais claimed the 17th spot, finishing just 16 minutes behind Ferré and 20 minutes ahead of Roura. This remarkable conclusion was especially meaningful for the two friends, who had been side by side throughout the grueling 84 days. ‘The scenario is perfect’, Tanguy reflected, noting, ‘This race is also beautiful thanks to Benjamin.’ He continued, ‘What we accomplished together was a true regatta. We pushed each other for almost two and a half months. It was incredible, so intense. I’m thrilled to finish just 16 minutes behind him. That’s fantastic.’
After nearly 85 days at sea, when Tanguy Le Turquais finally crossed the finish line, he was greeted by the jubilant members of the Lazare association. Overwhelmed with joy, he exclaimed, ‘We did it, we did it, it’s… Wow! It was… I don’t have the words, it was so good.’ With a stunning comeback, Tanguy improved his standing by four places in the final sprint, completing his round-the-world journey in 84 days, 23 hours, and 35 minutes. He finished 17th in the Vendée Globe 2024 and secured 2nd place in the unofficial rankings for boats with a righting moment.
Reunions and Reflections
A few hours post-race, Tanguy Le Turquais was joyfully reunited with his partner, Clarisse Crémer, and their daughter, Mathilda. Together they sailed up the channel of Les Sables-d’Olonne, greeted as heroes by a crowd that included many members of the Lazare association who supported Tanguy throughout his journey. ‘An incredible channel with incredible lights, it’s great, it’s great, it’s amazing, I am super happy’, the skipper declared as he stepped back onto solid ground.
On the docks, Tanguy was surrounded by family, friends, and his Lazare housemates. ‘My Baptiste, look, the oldest of the Lazare roommates in tears. There it is, the most beautiful reward’, he exclaimed, filled with emotion. He also had a heartfelt reunion with Benjamin Ferré, affectionately known as Pépinos: ‘For 3 months, I really wanted to take him in my arms and give him a slap too.’
‘It was a round-the-world trip filled with joy, but also many challenges. I truly found myself pushed to my limits, and that’s what I set out to do – to confront the toughest situations with no easy solutions’, Tanguy reflected. ‘What I’m most proud of is that I remained in the race despite the hardships. Honestly, I am incredibly happy with this experience. I return changed in ways I could never have anticipated’, concluded Tanguy Le Turquais in his final logbook entry for the Vendée Globe.