A pioneer in RIBs with 125 years' experience, Zodiac has been providing the RIB fleets of sailing event organisers for many years. For 2024, the brand is renewing its ties with the greatest of ocean races by becoming an official partner of the Vendée Globe. The 40 skippers, escorted by a safety fleet of 42 Zodiac RIBs, will set off across the seas of the globe.
True ocean adventurers, Zodiac RIBs have the reputation of being extremely resistant and reliable, thanks to materials and manufacturing processes that are always at the cutting edge of technology. A very low centre of gravity, a deep V hull and very seaworthy floats give these boats exceptional speed and crossing capacity in rough seas. These are essential features to ensure the best possible safety on the water at the start of the next Vendée Globe, where 40 solo skippers will be at the helm of their IMOCA boats, a record number for this unique race. This security system will also be available to the organisers to welcome the winner of this 10th edition and all the other competitors to the finish line and as they make their way up the legendary channel in Les Sables d'Olonne.
The famous brand has announced an official partnership agreement with the organisers. It will produce 42 limited editions custom-built RIBs in the colours of the legendary non-stop, non-assisted, single-handed round the world race. They will then be available for sale.
Alain Leboeuf, President of the Vendée Globe and President of the Vendée Department :
« For us organisers, ensuring the safety of the skippers remains our main concern. With the support of our partner Zodiac, we are in no doubt as to the safety of our race area. »
François Fauroux, CEO of Zodiac Nautic :
« We are delighted and proud to be returning to the Vendée Globe, aware of the history we have with this wonderful race. This comeback is a sign of our desire to build a strong long-term partnership with this major event. The values shared by the participants are in line with those we share with our teams : Audacity, Agility, Commitment.
This cooperation allows us to build strong internal federations, but also to prove the performance of our RIBs in real-life situations.
As the leaderand benchmark for RIBs around the world, we're also delighted to be able to share this moment with all our international partners.
Ourday-to-day mission of "Enabling everyone to experience unforgettable adventures on the water", which has driven us for 90 years, can only be better expressed through the Vendée Globe. »
About the Vendée Globe
On 10 November 2024, the start will be given to the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, with a line-up that is set to break all records for participation. Up to 40 skippers will set off from Les Sables d'Olonne to attempt a solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world sailing adventure.
The success of the last edition of the Vendée Globe, marked by a start behind closed doors, an epic rescue and a breathtaking sporting scenario right up to the finish, has further strengthened the appeal of the race for the general public and skippers alike.
Edition after edition, the event continues to attract more and more contenders from all horizons. They will have to complete their qualifying races, which will culminate in the New York Vendée - Les Sables d'Olonne, the race starting off New York on 29 May.
About Zodiac
Zodiac Nautic originated from the "Société française de ballons dirigeables et d'aviation Zodiac", a company specialising in the production of airships. One of its engineers, Pierre Debroutelle, invented the first inflatable boat prototypes in the 1930s for the French naval air arm, which was looking for easy, innovative solutions for military transport.
This move from the air to the sea earned Zodiac a worldwide reputation. It was in the 1960s that the company turned its attention to the leisure industry, to keep pace with holidaymakers' enthusiasm for pleasure boating.
Zodiac Nautic, with its unrivalled experience, was at the origin of major innovations in the field of inflatable boats, and today is at the cutting edge in terms of products and services, in total harmony with the spirit of the times.
Zodiac Nautic has been a long-standing partner and supplier to a number of races over the years: The Route du Rhum, Vendée Globe, Tour de France à la voile, Cannes Sails and many others.