As for the entrants, Anne LIARDET has confirmed her entry and Patrick de RADIGUÈS is bowing out. Here is a look at what is happening 1 month away from the start of the single-handed trip around the world.

The little family of skippers has now been reduced to 22 competitors, since the Belgian yachtsman, Patrick de RADIGUÈS announced today he is standing down, after his sponsor Harmony Capital Group could not confirm their support. Anne LIARDET, on the other hand, has had more success, as she announced today that she has signed with a new sponsor. Her boat will now be called Roxy, taking the name of Quicksilver’s women’s sportswear brand.

PRB (Vincent RIOU), VMI (Sébastien JOSSE), Ocean Planet (Bruce SCHWAB), Austria One (Norbert SEDLACEK) and Raphael DINELLI’S yacht are already moored up on the Vendée Globe landing stages in Port Olonna.

While the technical staff and preparation team are busy making some final adjustments to these craft, the rest of the little armada is expected by the race organisers by 9 a.m. on Saturday 16th October at the latest.