A Record-Breaking Edition
The Vendée Globe is the ultimate test for every sailor – a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation where endurance, strategy, and technology must work in perfect harmony to bring every skipper to the finish line. The 2024-2025 edition has proved to be one of the most challenging yet, with ever-faster boats and often forbidding weather conditions.
History was made by Charlie Dalin, who clinched victory on 14 January 2025 after 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds at sea, breaking the previous record set by Armel Le Cléac’h in the 2016-2017 race. Sharing the podium were Yoann Richomme and Sébastien Simon, who completed the race on 15 and 17 January respectively. Among the race’s most significant moments was the remarkable achievement of Justine Mettraux, who became the first woman to complete this edition, marking an important milestone for ocean sailing.
Technology and Reliability: the Role of Gottifredi Maffioli
Behind every great achievement at sea lies a technical effort that begins long before the start. The choice of equipment is crucial, and the figures speak for themselves: seven of the top eight finishers opted for Gottifredi Maffioli’s ropes and cables.
“Every time a circumnavigation sets sail, we know our product will play a fundamental role,” explains Luigi Maffioli. “We cannot afford any mistakes – everything must work flawlessly from the first day to the last.”
For this edition, Gottifredi Maffioli supplied all the unidirectional cables for the new yachts, including shrouds, control lines, and backstays, all developed with advanced materials to ensure stability and safety even in the most extreme conditions.
Sailing at an average of over 30 knots for weeks means every component of the boat is subjected to relentless stress. The latest generation of IMOCA 60s is engineered to push the limits, and every piece of rigging must withstand extreme loads without failing.
“Seeing them sail at these speeds doesn’t unsettle us – we know we’ve provided products up to the challenge – yet it certainly leaves an impression,” adds Luigi Maffioli. “It’s a craft of precision and attention to detail, because every rope and cable must deliver impeccable performance over more than two months of non-stop sailing.”
During the race, as speeds continue to escalate and weather conditions remain unpredictable, the stresses on the hull, mast, and rigging are constant and relentless. For over 60 days at sea, every element must operate flawlessly.
“When we develop our products, we know they will be put to the test like in no other competition,” explains Luigi Maffioli.
Behind the Skippers’ Extraordinary Performances is Extensive Research and Development.
Gottifredi Maffioli is at the forefront of designing cables and ropes of the highest calibre, utilising innovative materials such as Dyneema and Zylon (PBO) to achieve maximum strength with minimal weight.
These materials ensure dimensional stability and fatigue resistance—essential characteristics in a race where sails are adjusted thousands of times and every single load can make a difference. The ropes supplied by the company are engineered to offer the optimal balance between grip, lightness, and durability over time.
A Glimpse into the Future
The Vendée Globe 2024-2025 has once again proven to be far more than just a race – it is an extreme endeavour, a challenge against the ocean and oneself. This edition has ushered in a new chapter in ocean sailing, underscoring the importance of having technical partners who supply products engineered to withstand the rigours of this challenge.
To this end, Gottifredi Maffioli continues to invest in ever more advanced materials and research and development, with a clear aim: to produce ropes that are lighter, stronger, and more reliable, achieving peak performance without compromising safety.
Cover photo credits: Vendée Globe on Instagram
