Ulysse Nardin hoists the sails
Ulysse Nardin has been confirmed as the official timekeeper for one of the rare sporting competitions still on the calendar for summer 2020: the Vendee-Arctique-Les-Sables d’Olonne that will enable skippers to qualify for the Vendée Globe.
In November 2019, Ulysse Nardin announced that it would be getting involved with the most grueling solo sailing race; an epic challenge: the Vendée Globe solo non-stop yacht race around the world without assistance. In the spirit that unites it with the intrepid explorers and adventurers of this world, Ulysse Nardin is now giving some thought to its partnership with “The Everest of the Sea” by becoming the official timekeeper of a major first, the Vendée-Arctique-Les-Sables d’Olonne, launching 4 July – the final race before the Vendée Globe. Northwards!
The competitors won’t be waiting much longer, as the start date is scheduled for the 4th of July 2020. 3,600 nautical miles (approx. 6,600 kilometers) solo, on an innovative route around a large triangle culminating near the Arctic Circle (60°N), passing through Iceland’s volcanic region and the deep blue of the Azores. The IMOCA Class skippers are going to venture far north for the first time: solo, non-stop and without assistance. Ten to 12 days sailing in sea conditions little known to skippers. But that’s not all! There will be no night-time in the middle of summer when approaching the Arctic Circle. It’s sure to play havoc with the sailors’ body clocks and really put them to the test beneath a sky that never sleeps. This race will effortlessly convey values dear to the watchmaking Manufacture: nature, excelling oneself and exploration. This short race will allow skippers to test boats just back from the yard and for some to qualify for the Vendée Globe.
