Maybe you all know this, but this years Vendee Globe event started a few days ago from France. This around-the-globe race features about 40 sail boats (almost all foil boats) racing around the world similar to the Ocean Race. Unlike the Ocean Race where each boat had a 4 person crew plus a 5th person to document and conduct experiments, each Vendee Globe boat has a 1 person crew. Also unlike the Ocean Race which had stages where boats were scored based on their finish order with opportunities to re-fit and supply, the Vendee Race starts and ends in France, and goes around the world through southern ocean which includes toughest sailing possible non-stop racing, meaning they never touch land, never get assistance from other boats, etc... The winner should complete in about 90 days. People have died in this race, not for feint of heart!!
Like the Ocean Race, there is an App you can download to track progress which is quite sophisticated including current positions, weather, future weather, speeds, etc... I have been following since start, quite addicting. Video is released daily to YouTube which is quite informative. As a foiler myself, the respect and appreciation I have for these innovators as well as those in the recently completed Americas Cup is very high. Their experience and investments significantly impact our sport. Imagine for a moment foiling around Cape Horn in 30+ knot wind and 20+ ft seas nonstop with foils under you! Not for few hours, but during 90 days of racing that also included dead wind and weeds in the doldrums around the equator!
These people and teams are nothing short of amazing - check it out if you were unaware!
