Public interest in the race has surged, greatly enhancing its economic impact and leading to a cap of 40 participants for safety reasons. Challenges in securing sponsorships persist, prompting the introduction of wild cards to diversify competitors. The race operates on a mixed economy model, with a budget of approximately 25 million euros over four years, funded by public and private partnerships. Entry fees are set at 20,000 euros, with a prize pool of 800,000 euros distributed among skippers.
Public Enthusiasm and Economic Impact
Alain Leboeuf: The growing public interest is a key factor in the race’s success, with an increasing number of fans attending each year. Before the race kicks off, the village buzzes with hundreds of thousands of spectators eager to see the boats and meet the sailors. The excitement continues online and in the media, as fans eagerly await the sailors’ arrivals, from the first to the last participant.
This surge in enthusiasm has not only popularized the race but has also boosted its economic impact. To manage this overwhelming interest, we decided to cap the number of participants at 40. Our top priority is safety, especially considering that three sailors have tragically lost their lives in over three decades of racing. This is a significant concern, especially since the race spans more than three months and the time gaps between competitors can widen considerably.
Sponsorship Challenges and Evolution
For a long time, securing sponsors was a significant hurdle for skippers. Given the record number of participants, is that still an issue?
A.L. That’s precisely why we maintain the limit of 40 boats. This cap will also apply to the Vendée 2028 and 2032 editions. However, we aim to remain flexible, which is why we plan to include 3 to 4 wild cards within the 40-boat limit, up from the single wild card we currently offer.
To prepare for the influx of participants, we have established a qualification system that requires a minimum number of nautical miles and awards points based on race finishes. These rules not only provide stability for skippers but also assure sponsors seeking visibility.
Have you communicated with the four hopeful participants who were disappointed about not qualifying?
A.L. Yes, informing them was truly heartbreaking. Many have invested deeply in their projects, even going into personal debt or selling their possessions, including homes, to finance their boats. There were tears and heartfelt pleas, with some saying, “It’s the adventure of my life, let me go!” We notified the non-qualifiers on July 2, following the last qualifying race, the New York – Vendée.
Recent events have highlighted issues faced by Clarisse Crémer, a young sailor who was removed from her Vendée 2024 project by her sponsor after her maternity leave. Has this incident influenced your approach?
A.L. Absolutely, this is why we are introducing more wild cards. We aim to select women who have recently had children or include international sailors from underrepresented countries. This new approach grants us more flexibility.
Reflecting on the past, if we had granted Clarisse a wild card back in 2022, there would have been accusations of favoritism towards Banque Populaire. I voiced this concern to the minister at the time, (Amélie Oudéa-Castéra), and Nicolas Namias, the bank’s CEO. I suggested that they give her a chance with a boat and we could reassess her qualifications in July 2024. Thankfully, Clarisse qualified with another boat, L’Occitane, proving her capability.
The Economic Model of Vendée Globe
Since its inception, Vendée companies have partnered with the department to organize this event. Can you explain how the economic structure of the race functions?
A.L. The race operates under a mixed economy model (SAEM), a hallmark of the Vendée approach. Here, we excel in fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, with business leaders effectively engaging with local officials. Our department is recognized for having the most and largest cooperatives in France, reflecting our strong tradition of cooperation.
What is the overall budget for a Vendée Globe cycle over four years?
A.L. The budget for a complete cycle is approximately 25 million euros over four years. Private partners contribute about 35% of the revenue, while public partners account for 32%. As we have introduced two new complementary races, the New York Vendée and the Vendée Arctic, our budget has increased due to an additional 4 million euros in costs. Notably, around 11% of this total budget is allocated for safety and race management.
To meet our financial needs, we are actively engaging sponsors who remain interested. Our goal is to renew existing partnerships, while also expanding our economic model to attract new companies and innovative ideas. We are creating new visibility opportunities, both in the village and online—an example being our recent introduction of Panini stickers.
What are the costs for skippers to enter the race?
A.L. The entry fee for each boat is set at 20,000 euros. However, the total prize pool, which amounts to 800,000 euros, is redistributed among the skippers. This prize money does not fund the race’s organization. In 2020, we increased the prize pool from 600,000 to 800,000 euros, with the winner receiving 200,000 euros, the second place 140,000 euros, and the third place 100,000 euros. This approach is not common in offshore racing, which is why skippers express their gratitude for our support.