42 Zodiac RIBs in the Vendée Globe
The Vendée Globe has officially chosen Zodiac as its technical partner for the 2024 edition. On-water safety at the start, during the village and at the finish will be ensured by a fleet of 42 RIBs from the French brand, in different models and sizes depending on their function. These limited-edition boats, flocked in the colors of the Vendée Globe, will then be offered for sale through Zodiac's international network.
A return to ocean racing
As part of a global policy of returning to ocean racing and partnering with race organizers, Zodiac will also be supplying support boats for 3 other events in 2024, starting with the first edition of the Ultim trimaran round-the-world race, the Arkea Ultim Challene in Brest in January, followed by The Transat CIC, New York Vendée.
An image challenge
Zodiac has been involved in ocean racing for many years, taking part in a number of major races such as the Vendée Globe, Tour de France à la Voile and Route du Rhum, but had disappeared from the starting line-up for almost 10 years. The RIB manufacturer has been experiencing commercial and economic difficulties, during which time the competition has moved into this niche, as Highfield has for several years. As Marie-Eva Théron, in charge of operational marketing at Zodiac Nautic, explains, this comeback is important for the group: "We're showing that we're still in the market, that Zodiac isn't just for pleasure outings, but that we're also there to accompany racing. This demonstrates the reliability and robustness of our RIBs."
