Vendee Globe Starts Today, Facts, Video, Discussion

[Steadman Uhlich]

The Vendée Globe is a round-the-world single-handed yacht race, sailed non-stop and without assistance. How fast and how long? The current (2013) race speed record was set by François Gabart. His final race time (the record) is 78 days 2 hours 16 minutes 40 seconds. His average speed was 15.3 knots and covering 28,646.55 miles. Note: the race’s theoretical distance is 24,393.41 miles. WOW!

This video shows today's start of the pinnacle of sailing, as these 60 foot boats are going to sail around the world with just one sailor aboard or "single handed." It is the ultimate test of the sailor (man or woman) and the boat. An incredible race that is about endurance, skill, speed, and very little sleep. This is just the beginning. There are 29 boats competing, but not all will finish this grueling race. It will be about 80 +/- days till they finish.

Here is a link to the LIVE video of the start (Facebook link has video):

https://www.facebook.com/steadman.uh...41839759225348

Here is a link to the LIVE video on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/Gmte4-QN7rs

Here is a link to the Vendee Globe official news page where you can find links to follow the latest reports, links to facts, etc. http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en/news