The second edition of the Vendée Arctique - Les Sables d'Olonne set off on 12 June 2022 with 25 solo skippers at the start, including 2 women and 8 internationals. The first qualifier for the 2024 Vendée Globe initially proposed an ambitious course around Iceland, before a return to Les Sables d'Olonne.
An improvised finish off Iceland
On 17 June, just as Charlie Dalin (Apivia) had crossed the “Iceland Gate”, a virtual marker to the south-east of the island, the organisers decided to transform this required passage into the finishing line. A strong low threatened a large part of the course and a large majority of the competitors, prompting the organisers to neutralise the race at latitude 64° North, to guarantee the safety of the sailors.
A podium of favourites and some surprises
After a great start, skilful in the ridge of high pressure and unstoppable on the climb back north, Charlie Dalin won the race, his second consecutive solo victory of the IMOCA season. Jérémie Beyou (Charal), winner of the first edition, and Thomas Ruyant (LinkedOut), complete the podium. The big surprises in the rankings were the young rookies Benjamin Ferré and Guirec Soudée, 4th and 6th respectively on their straight daggerboard IMOCA boats in their first solo race on the IMOCA circuit.
Despite very challenging weather conditions and five retirements, the race lived up to all its promises, offering a breathtaking scenario and confirming its importance in the preparation for the Vendée Globe.
RANKING
- Charlie Dalin (Apivia)
- Jérémie Beyou (Charal)
- Thomas Ruyant (Linkedout)
- Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur - Duo for a Job)
- Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée)
- Guirec Soudée (Freelance.com)
- Alan Roura (Hublot)
- Louis Duc (Five - Lantana Environnement)
- Damien Seguin (Groupe APICIL)
- Nicolas Lunven (Banque Populaire)
- Benjamin Dutreux (GUYOT Environnement-Water-Family)
- Giancarlo Pedote (Prysmian Group)
- Pip Hare (Medallia)
- Eric Bellion (Commeunseulhomme Powered by Altavia)
- Sébastien Marsset (Cap Agir Ensemble #SponsorsBienvenus)
- Antoine Cornic (EBAC Literie)
- Romain Attanasio (Fortinet - Best Western)
- Conrad Colman (Imagine)
- Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans - Art et Fenêtres)
- Kojiro Shiraishi (DMG MORI Global One)