Sailing Into History: The Dramatic Start of Vendee Globe 2023

The Vendee Globe, a grueling solo sailing race, commenced from Les Sables d’Olonne, France. Featuring a record 11 nationalities, including six female skippers, the race will test the endurance of its participants over 45,000 km. Highlights include Charlie Dalin's return and Violette Dorange's notable debut.

The world's most daunting solo sailing race, the Vendee Globe, set sail from Les Sables d'Olonne, France, with 40 skippers, representing 11 nationalities. Among them are six female navigators, matching a record set in the previous edition, drawing significant attention to this year's event.

Charlie Dalin, a favored competitor, returns to improve upon his runner-up status from the last race. "I'm thrilled to be back, and I'm looking forward to overcoming past challenges," Dalin stated passionately. Violette Dorange, the race's youngest entrant at 23, embodies the spirit of adventure in her debut challenge.

With winds expected to pick up, participants face their first testing night at sea. The route, spanning 24,000 nautical miles, requires navigating treacherous waters, promising a journey filled with excitement and peril as it pushes competitors to their limits over nearly three months.

(With inputs from agencies.)