B&G and the Vendée Globe

Reliable, uncomplaining and high-performing, our electronics have been steering solo skippers to the finish line in the Vendée Globe since 1989

Non-Stop, Solo, and Without Assistance, the Vendée Globe is regarded as the toughest race in sailing.

Since the race was established by legendary solo sailor Philippe Jeantot in 1989, 151 boats have crossed the startline off Les Sables d'Olonne. Just over half of those to have entered the race in its 31 year history have reached the finish line.

The 33 skippers entered in the 2020 edition of the race will sail 21, 638 miles, striving to beat the current record of 74 days, 3 hours and 35 minutes. Most of the fleet will put their trust in B&G autopilots, radars, instruments and chartplotters to enable them to sail faster and more safely as they circumnavigate the globe in their magnificent IMOCA 60s.

Latest Videos

Ari Huusela

Thomas Ruyant

Boris Herrmann

Didac Costa

Watch our Vendee Globe YouTube Playlist

H5000 Pilot vendee h5.png

The IMOCA 60s rely on the expertise of the H5000 Pilot, steering reliably day and night and in everything from flat calms to Southern Ocean storms.

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HALO20+ Radar halo24@crop.png

The HALO20+ Pulse-compression radar allows the skippers to see through fog, rain and driving spray. In remote waters it can be set to 'sweep and sleep' and perform a 360 degree sweep every 10 minutes or so, alerting skippers to hazards while saving power.

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WS700 Wind Sensor

The WS700 Vertical Wind Sensor delivers the most accurate wind data possible to the boat's autopilot and instruments.

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WTP3

The WTP3 and associated modules along with motion sensor and barometric pressure sensor are installed close to the nav station. The WTP3 is the heart of the system – it provides the best sailing data available, stabilised to remove the effects of boat movement, ensuring the autopilot can steer to its full potential.

Discover WTP3

WR-10 Autopilot remote vendee wr10.png

The WR10 autopilot remote control allows the skipper to adjust heading or wind angle from anywhere on board.

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Zeus™ 3S Chartplotter Zeus3S_16_dash_right_chart_with_laylines.png_42937.png

Acting as a control centre on board for instruments, radar, charting and digital switching, the new Zeus™ 3S chartplotter offers blistering response times and a screen that can be seen and controlled in any conditions.

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Meet the B&G Vendée Globe Ambassador Team

Thomas Ruyant, LinkedOut

“I am delighted to partner with B&G and have the support of them and their products as I attempt to win the Vendée Globe 2020...Working with a brand acclaimed for its award-winning, race-proven technology is a huge performance enhancer and I look forward to collaborating with them throughout the race and in the future.”

Boris Herrmann, SeaExplorer

“As sailors, we see first-hand changes in our environment. It is not enough to just sail fast. We have to work towards solutions to fight the climate crisis and we have to start now. I am looking forward to working on this topic with B&G and to see how we can adapt and use their technology to further scientific research.”

Ari Huusela, Stark

“Safety is always the first priority in my job as pilot. This is reflected in the way I sail, when alone at sea...reliability is such an important part of single-handed sailing safety and performance, therefore having the most comprehensive systems on board is crucial. The B&G system is reliable, sophisticated and capable of driving the boat at maximum power in all conditions.”

Didac Costa, OnePlanet One Ocean

“I am delighted to be collaborating with B&G and having their technology to compete in a race as demanding as the Vendée Globe" says Didac Costa. "Having a reliable and accurate source of data is key to success and I am looking forward to showing other sailors how I use electronics in my day to day."

B&G is proud to be a key part of the electronics installation on board much of the Vendée Globe fleet. Other competitors that will be putting their trust in B&G include: