The Vendée Globe has announced that registration for the next edition will open on February 16th, 2026—1,000 days before the race starts. 

After some controversy regarding the qualification rules for last edition (and a pregnancy that almost cost one skipper her a spot on the starting line) the new rules aim to be fairer to competitors. “Based on lessons learned from previous editions and discussions held by the diversity committee, this new qualification method balances sporting fairness with recognition of the diversity of backgrounds and projects,” emphasises Alain Leboeuf, president of the Vendée Globe and the Vendée Department.

To that end, the rule states that each skipper must compete in at least one “Grade 2” solo race during the 2025-2028 seasons and finish in no more than twice the first place finishing time. Then, the top 37 skippers in the IMOCA Globe Series will automatically qualify. (Points for the IMOCA Globe Series are determined by finishing place, difficulty of the race, and number of crew.) The remaining three spots on the 40-boat race roster will be wild card spots that may or may not be filled.

Another new addition for 2028 is that all skippers will be required to carry some form of instrument “contributing to the knowledge and preservations of the oceans.” 25 skippers voluntarily did this in 2025, but this edition it will be mandatory since the boats can collect valuable data in remote places with limited prior research. “The Vendée Globe is an exceptional human and sporting adventure, but it is also a formidable laboratory for oceanographic research,” emphasises Leboeuf.

To the sustainability end, skippers will also have to “aim for energy self-sufficiency” and limit the use of fossil fuel during their race, which typically would be an option for generating power for instruments and communications onboard. “This measure encourages teams to go further, to innovate and to find more virtuous solutions. It is essential for our ecosystem,” says Leboeuf.

For more on the 2028 Vendée Globe and to read the full announcement, click here.