Skippers Set off on Vendee Globe Solo Yacht Race

Byline: Associated Press

LES SABLES D’OLONNE, France (AP) — Twenty skippers set off from western France Nov. 10 in the seventh edition of the Vendee Globe solo around-the-world yacht race.

Skippers will round the three great capes: Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn, the southernmost tips of Africa, Australia and the Americas.

There is a long slide down the Atlantic, south and on to the Indian Ocean, and then the Pacific Ocean.

French sailors Jean Le Cam, who was runner-up in 2005, and Armel Le Cleac’h, who finished second in 2009, are hoping to go one better this time.

But two-time winner Michel Desjoyeaux, who set the course record time of 84 days, 3 hours, 9 minutes and 8 seconds in 2009, is not competing.

British sailor Samantha Davies, who was fourth last time, is among the contenders.