In 1989, at the end of the second BOC Challenge, the solo around the world race with 4 stopovers, several of the skippers decided to race on their own, non-stop and without assistance, around the world. Phillipe Jeantot, winner of the BOC Challenge took up the challenge to make it happen for real.

In November 1989, in front of 100,000 spectators, 13 skippers set out on the first Vendee Globe. Thanks to the General Council of the Vendee region, the city of Les Sables d'Olonne, the Credit Agricole bank, the Fleury Michon company and the Regional Council for the Pays de Loire, the first Vendee Globe attracted enormous media attention.

Despite the extreme conditions, 10 of the original 13 skippers crossed the finish line and 7 were ranked.

In 1992 there were 14 entries. Tragically one week after the start, Nigel Burgess from Monaco lost his life in circumstances still surrounded in mystery, reminding us of the extreme conditions surrounding this event.

16 skippers took part in the 1996 Vendee, two of which were women, but only six actually crossed the finish line. Catherine Chabaud became the first woman to complete a solo, non-stop around the world race without assistance. This Vendee will also never be forgotten due to two spectacular rescues and the unexplained disappearance of Canadian competitor Gerry Roufs. More than 200,000 people welcomed the winners home.

The 2000 Vendee saw 24 competitors start, including 25 year old newcomer Ellen Macarthur who went on to break a number of records and finsh second in record time.

Media exposure and sponsorship participation have exploded as the race has matured and today's Vendee is one of the world's greatest media events.

For more details of the race's history see www.vendeeglobe.com and www.kingfisher.com for Ellen Macarthur's story.