Sébastien Simon really represents the new generation of younger skippers who are aiming for the Vendée Globe 2020 with an intense level of professionalism yet very open minded free thinking, he is a breath of fresh air and is tipped to follow in the wake of Francois Gabart. Simon, the winner of the 2018 Solitaire URGO Le Figaro, has a new Arkea Paprec IMOCA 60 due to be  launched in mid-July. Simon has just won the Bermudes 1000 Race, a maiden triumph in his first single-handed race in 60-foot IMOCA. That is a remarkable debut for the 29-year-old sailor from the Vendée region of France. 

One solo race and two handed and, that is the main calendar for the qualifying and selection races this year for teams looking to get into the next Vendée Globe.

One solo race and two handed and, that is the main calendar for the qualifying and selection races this year for teams looking to get into the next Vendée Globe.

The 2019 season kicks off on May 8 with the first IMOCA Globe Series event, the Bermudes 1000 Race.

At the start of this decisive year for those who want to line up on the next Vendée Globe, here is a quick run down of the qualification process, the application process, the rules which will apply to competitors who want to be sure they are on the starting line. What do they have to do and by when?  And it can get down to those who will have to pass  a selection based on the number of miles sailed in the IMOCA Globe Series Races
First and foremost, all competitors must respect a first deadline of 1 November 2019. On that date, all Vendée Globe applicants must have submitted their application form to the SAEM Vendée, the owners and organisers of the race.