Denis Van Weynbergh Completes Vendée Globe as First Skipper to Finish Outside Official Time Limit

The Belgian sailor reached Les Sables-d’Olonne after 118 days at sea, earning admiration despite not being classified in the race.

Denis Van Weynbergh completed the Vendée Globe after 118 days, surpassing the official time limit of 116 days, 18 hours, and 15 minutes.
He is the first sailor in the race's history to finish but not be classified due to exceeding the time limit, which closed on March 7, 2025, at 8:00 AM.
Van Weynbergh faced numerous technical challenges throughout the race, including issues with his mainsail, halyard, and keel ram in the final days.
Despite finishing 53 days after winner Charlie Dalin, the 57-year-old skipper received a warm welcome from spectators and supporters in Les Sables-d’Olonne.
Operating with the smallest budget in the fleet, Van Weynbergh's determination and perseverance were widely celebrated, earning him respect beyond official rankings.