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Elodie Bonafous: On the Road to the Vendée Globe

With a brand-new IMOCA and her sights set on the 2028 Vendée Globe, Elodie Bonafous is ready to make her mark. Alexander Champy-McLean sat down with France’s latest rising star to find out what drives her, and how she plans to take on the toughest race in sailing.

Image © Alexis Courcoux / Horizon 29

On a grey and cold mid-February morning in Concarneau, France, a brand-new IMOCA was launched—marking the start of Elodie Bonafous’ campaign for the 2028 Vendée Globe. A relative unknown outside France, the 30-year-old has earned a strong reputation at home through steady progression and standout results.

For some, sailing around the world is a lifelong dream—but doing it single-handed and non-stop might seem less appealing. Unless you live in Brittany. There must be something in the salty, rarely warm air that makes such a challenge feel achievable.

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