Former Clipper Race Round the World Skipper Sean McCarter from Derry aims to be the first Irish sailor to compete in the world's toughest sailing race when he enters the Vendee Globe non–stop global race in five years time.
No Irish sailor has ever contested the 30,000–mile course through the world's most ferocious oceans. The race runs every four years. The Vendee Globe edition identifed by the Lough Swilly helmsman starts in France on 6th November 2020. It is expected 30 sailors will race solo, non-stop around the world without assistance on 60ft–race boats.
Vendee Globe bound – Sean McCarter of Lough Swilly
The Vendée Globe is a round-the-world single-handed yacht race, sailed non-stop and without assistance. The race was founded by Philippe Jeantot in 1989, and since 1992 has taken place every four years. The 2016-2017 edition is planned to start on Sunday, November 6, 2016.
As the only single-handed non-stop round-the-world race, the race is a serious test of individual endurance, and is regarded by many as the ultimate in ocean racing.
In January 2014, McCarter was awarded Afloat.ie's sailor of the month award for his performance as skipper of the Derry Londonderry yacht in the Clipper Round the World race.
McCarter has published a website for the race bid here
