M Sébastien Simon

FR

Born on May 6, 1990, in La Roche-sur-Yon, France, Sébastien Simon is an engineer specializing in structures and composites. He began sailing at a young age and focused on offshore racing, winning the Solitaire du Figaro in 2018 and earning the title of Champion de France Elite de Course au Large the same year.

In the Vendée Globe 2024-2025, Simon faced significant challenges. Between the Kerguelen Islands and Australia, he suffered damage to his starboard foil. Despite this handicap, which lasted for 41 days, Simon demonstrated remarkable determination and skill, finishing the race in third place with a time of 67 days, 12 hours, 25 minutes, and 37 seconds.

A notable moment from this edition was the intense duel between Simon and Richomme in the Pacific Ocean. Sailing in close proximity, Richomme managed to overtake Simon, highlighting the fierce competition and camaraderie among the skippers.

These three sailors have left an indelible mark on the Vendée Globe 2024-2025, pushing the boundaries of solo offshore racing and inspiring future generations.