French Skipper Sébastien Marsset crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe on February 9, 2025, 91 days after his start in November 2024. Marsset secured 27th place in his first Vendée Globe attempt, completing a campaign many years in the making. Marsset's boat, a Farr design called Foussier, was equipped with Quantum Sails.
Marsett fought a hard race both leading up to and during the Vendée Globe. His position fluctuated throughout his journey, starting in 19th as he entered the Doldrums and dropping to 28th place after a frustratingly slow period. He spent the rest of the race competitively, climbing up in the rankings and falling back as opportunities and challenges presented themselves. He encountered low-pressure systems, storm fronts, intense winds, dead calms, and even an iceberg that was only spotted by radar alarm. He remained positive, focused on making the most of every opportunity, and taking the challenges as they came. His race finished as it had progressed, with Marsset remarking while passing the Azores in 27th place on February 5, "We have to make the most of the remaining time!"
With his Farr launched in 2006, Marsset was skipper to one of the oldest boats in the fleet for the 2024-25 Vendée Globe. He encountered multiple system failures during his race, including his steering, heating, canting keel mechanism, autoboxes, and the engine. Each breakdown ate into his overall time, but Marsset was not deterred. When asked about his takeaways from his first Vendée Globe, Marssett told the VG News, "That was the hard part of my Vendée Globe but I knew it couldn't be easy. These events taught me to never give up, to show resilience, to take problems one by one…I solved all the problems I encountered. It proves that I am capable of it!"
In preparation for his Vendée Globe race, Marsset worked closely with Quantum Sails to design, test, and build headsails and mainsails for his Farr 2006 with IMOCA Class Green Sail Rules in mind. Quantum is proud to have contributed more than 160 hours since February 2024 to manufacturing Marsset's sails.
Marsset's race was a full circle of emotions for the skipper, beginning and ending with tears of relief. The three years of work and qualifying races that brought him to the starting line caused the first rush of emotion. When asked about crossing the finish line, Marsset said, "I didn't expect there to be so many people. It's incredible, it hits you hard, and it's very powerful. I really enjoyed my race throughout, it wasn't always easy. It touched me to know that my adventure was appreciated and that I was able to share it. Alone in your little world, with the ocean all around you, you wouldn't imagine that so many people are following the race."
When asked if he'll be back, Marsset enthusiastically confirmed, stating he hopes to return competitively with a new boat. He continued, saying "I want to play for a 'top 10' in four years, I would give anything to experience that!"