Justine Mettraux Makes History with 8th Place Finish in the Vendée Globe 2024
On january 25, 2025, Swiss skipper Justine Mettraux crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe at 13:38 UTC, securing an extraordinary eighth place in a time of 76 days, 1 hour, 36 minutes, adn 52 seconds. This achievement marks her as the first female finisher and the top international skipper in the grueling solo around-the-world race.
Mettraux’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite tearing her mainsail during the final night at sea,she demonstrated remarkable tenacity and composure. deeply reefed and managing only a handful of knots, she narrowly held off British skipper Sam Goodchild, who trailed just six miles behind. Her ability to maintain focus under pressure ensured her place in the top ten of this fiercely competitive IMOCA fleet.
From the Pacific to Cape finisterre, Mettraux consistently pushed forward, climbing through the ranks and showcasing her strategic prowess.Her performance not only solidified her reputation as a formidable competitor but also earned her the title of the fastest female solo monohull sailor around the world. She shattered Clarisse Crémer’s 2020-21 record of 87 days and 2 hours by an astounding 12 days.
For Mettraux, however, accolades are secondary. She measures her success against the best in the class,and her eighth-place finish in what is widely regarded as the toughest Vendée Globe fleet ever is a testament to her skill and determination.
Key Highlights of Justine Mettraux’s Vendée globe 2024 journey
Table of Contents
| achievement | Details |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Finish Position | 8th place |
| Time | 76 days, 1 hour, 36 minutes, 52 seconds |
| Record | Fastest female solo monohull sailor around the world |
| Previous Record Holder | Clarisse Crémer (87 days, 2 hours) |
| Key Challenge | Torn mainsail in the final night, narrowly holding off Sam Goodchild |
Mettraux’s journey is a story of resilience, skill, and unwavering determination. Her performance in the Vendée Globe 2024 not only cements her place in sailing history but also inspires future generations of sailors to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
For more details on her incredible race, visit the official Vendée Globe website here.
Justine Mettraux: A Metronomic Force in Solo IMOCA Sailing
Justine Mettraux, the Swiss sailing sensation, has once again proven her mettle in the grueling world of solo IMOCA racing. Despite only venturing into solo IMOCA sailing two years ago, Mettraux has quickly established herself as a formidable competitor, showcasing her relentless work ethic, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination.
Mettraux’s journey into solo IMOCA racing began when her long-time sponsors,TeamWork,acquired the former Charal from Jérémie Beyou. With the support of Beyou’s BeYou team, Mettraux has as honed her skills, earning accolades for her ability to maintain a high level of performance across all aspects of racing.
Her co-skippers, fellow crew members, and peers often describe her as “metronomic” in her approach. Mettraux’s ability to tirelessly manage the myriad tasks required to keep her IMOCA boat performing at its peak is nothing short of remarkable. Her sharp mind, physical fitness, and exceptional meteorological strategy skills have allowed her to make bold, autonomous decisions that consistently pay off while minimizing risks.
A Battle Against the Elements
Mettraux’s recent performance in the solo IMOCA race is a testament to her resilience and tactical acumen. During the descent of the Atlantic, she consistently remained in the top 10, battling fiercely against seasoned competitors like Boris Herrmann, Clarisse Crémer, Samantha Davies, and Benjamin Dutreux.
In the Indian Ocean, Mettraux and Herrmann broke away from the pack, closing a staggering 1,000-mile gap to join the leading group in the pacific. Despite facing technical challenges, including issues with her J0 and engine, Mettraux refused to give up.Her relentless effort paid off as she secured a spot in the top 10 and held her ground until the very end.
Jérémie Beyou, her mentor and supporter, summed it up perfectly: “justine is a truly golden sailor. What she has done is incredible.”
Race by the Numbers
Mettraux’s performance in the race is best captured by the numbers:
| Metric | Details |
|————————–|——————————————|
| Arrival Time (UTC) | Saturday, 25 January 2025, at 13:38 |
| Race Time | 76 days, 1 hour, 36 minutes, 52 seconds |
| Difference from First | 11 days, 6 hours, 14 minutes, 3 seconds |
| Theoretical Course | 23,906 miles at 13.09 knots |
| Actual Course | 28,102 miles at 15.39 knots |
Mettraux’s ability to cover an actual course of 28,102 miles at an average speed of 15.39 knots is a testament to her skill and determination.
A Bright Future Ahead
Justine Mettraux’s rise in solo IMOCA sailing is a story of perseverance, talent, and strategic brilliance. Her ability to overcome challenges and consistently perform at the highest level has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.
As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in solo sailing, Mettraux is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of competitive sailing.
Find out more about Justine Mettraux’s journey and the latest in sailing news by exploring Sail-world and Rolly Tasker Sails.
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Stay tuned for more updates on the world of competitive sailing and the inspiring stories of athletes like Justine Mettraux.
Interview with Justine Mettraux: A deep Dive into Her Vendée Globe 2024 Journey
editor:
Justine, congratulations on your incredible performance in the Vendée Globe 2024. Finishing in 8th place is an extraordinary achievement.Can you walk us through the key moments of your race, especially the challenges you faced?
Justine mettraux:
Thank you! The race was indeed a rollercoaster. One of the defining moments was the descent of the Atlantic, where I managed too stay in the top 10 despite fierce competition from sailors like Boris Herrmann and Clarisse Crémer. Tho, the real test came in the Indian Ocean. My boat faced technical issues, including problems with the J0 and the engine. It was a tough phase, but I kept pushing, and eventually, I joined the leading group in the Pacific.
Editor:
You mentioned the Indian Ocean. How did you manage to close the 1,000-mile gap and rejoin the leaders?
Justine Mettraux:
it was a combination of strategic planning and relentless effort. I had to make some bold decisions regarding my route and sail adjustments. Weather conditions played a notable role, and I had to be very precise with my meteorology strategy. It was mentally and physically exhausting, but seeing the gap close mile by mile was incredibly motivating.
Editor:
Your boat, the former Charal, has been a crucial part of your success. How did you prepare it for such a demanding race?
Justine Mettraux:
Preparing the boat was a massive undertaking. I worked closely with Jérémie Beyou and his team to ensure that every aspect of the boat was optimized for solo IMOCA racing. We focused on enhancing the boat’s speed and reliability, which are crucial for a race like the Vendée Globe. The support from my sponsors and the technical team was invaluable.
Editor:
You’ve been described as “metronomic” in your approach. Can you elaborate on what that means and how it helped you during the race?
justine Mettraux:
Being metronomic means maintaining a consistent rhythm and focus throughout the race, regardless of the conditions. It’s about managing every task methodically—sail changes, weather analysis, boat maintenance—all while keeping an eye on the competition. This approach helps me stay calm and composed, even in the most challenging situations, and it allows me to make precise, autonomous decisions that minimize risks.
Editor:
The final night of the race was particularly dramatic with the torn mainsail. How did you manage to hold off Sam Goodchild and secure your position?
Justine Mettraux:
That was definately a heart-stopping moment. The mainsail tore very close to the finish line, and I knew I had to act quickly.I managed to stabilize the situation and kept the boat moving as fast as possible with the remaining sail. It was a race against time,and I had to draw on every ounce of my experience and skill to hold off Sam. I’m grateful I could make it across the line in 8th place.
Editor:
You’ve set a new record as the fastest female solo monohull sailor around the world. What does this achievement mean to you?
Justine Mettraux:
It’s an incredible honor. Breaking the previous record set by Clarisse Crémer is a milestone that I’m very proud of. It’s not just about the time; it’s about proving that with the right preparation,determination,and support,boundaries can be pushed further. I hope this inspires more women to take on solo IMOCA racing and challenge themselves in this incredible sport.
Editor:
lastly,what’s next for you in your sailing career?
Justine Mettraux:
I plan to continue pushing the limits in solo IMOCA racing. There’s always more to learn and new challenges to take on. I’m looking forward to the next races and continuing to work with my team to improve and innovate. The Vendée Globe is a lifelong dream, and I’m excited about the future.
editor:
Thank you, Justine, for sharing your journey and insights.your story is truly inspiring,and we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve next.
Justine Mettraux:
Thank you! It’s been a pleasure sharing my experience. I’m grateful for all the support and looking forward to the next adventure.
Conclusion
Justine Mettraux’s journey in the Vendée Globe 2024 is a testament to her resilience, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination. Her ability to overcome challenges and consistently perform at the highest level has not only earned her a place in sailing history but also serves as an inspiration to future generations of sailors. Keep an eye on Justine Mettraux as she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in solo IMOCA racing.
