THE BRIEFING

Around the world in 80 days

fter sailing more than 24,000 nautical miles, eight of the original 33 captains in the Vendée Globe finished on the 80th day in the global race’s closest-ever competition. When Charlie Dalin, sailing , crossed the finish line at Les Sables d’Olonne on 27 January, it was hours before anyone knew if he had won; hot on his heels were two skippers who were allotted time compensations for assisting in the rescue of Kevin Escoffier, whose IMOCA 60 suddenly broke into two 1,350 kilometres southwest of Cape Town. Boris Herrmann just might have pulled it off if he hadn’t collided with a fishing vessel 140 kilometres from the finish. Third to arrive,, was ultimately declared the victor. The French skipper, who calls his stubbornness his best and worst quality, acknowledged Dalin’s line honours, saying, “There are two winners in this Vendée Globe.”