Former political, financial and current affairs journalist turned ocean racer Fabrice Amedeo completed his second Vendée Globe today Tuesday when he crossed the Les Sables d’Olonne finish line at 14h UTC to take in 32nd place. Only Belgian skipper Denis Van Weynbergh (D’Ieteren Group) is left racing. Amedeo’s elapsed time is 114 days, 01 hour and 58 minutes though his result is somewhat behind his initial hopes and expectations.
He completes his race without using fossil fuels and his success reflects a strong determination and drive shown by the skipper of Nexans – Wewise, who was able to combine his personal goals with environmental and scientific objectives. During his round-the-world race he conducted a rigorous program of oceanographic measurements. By collecting data on temperature, salinity, CO₂ levels, microplastic concentrations and analysis of environmental DNA from the surface, he provided the international community with valuable information to inform strategies for preserving the marine ecosystem and to advance the understanding of the effects of climate change.
A former journalist at Le Figaro, Amedeo has transformed his passion for the ocean into a new career. On his first round the world race in 2016-17 in which he finished in 11th place in 103 days, he had already demonstrated his abilities and confirmed his commitment to maritime life. With this experience, he turned his career towards innovative and environmentally friendly sailing.
His races have had their problems. After that promising first participation in 2016-17 his second attempt in 2020-2021 ended prematurely after 33 days due to a failure of the on-board computer. And then during the 2022 Route du Rhum his boat went on fire and sank, forcing him to start again from scratch. He bought and remodelled Arnaud Boissières’ old boat, which allowed him to refocus his priorities. During this new challenge, various technical unforeseen events – an electronic blackout the day after the start, problems with the keel ram, a wind sensor failure, and a muscle strain shortly before entering the Pacific – tested his determination.
Each obstacle overcome strengthened his commitment to providing valuable data for the protection of the oceans. By completing this Vendée Globe, Fabrice Amedeo demonstrates that true success is not measured solely by the final ranking, but by the ability to successfully complete an ambitious project while remaining true to one’s values. His journey, combining perseverance and respect for the environment, serves as a source of inspiration to all those who dream of a more sustainable future.
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