With an eye to ocean protection and conservation, the Prince Albert II Foundation and the newly formed Vendée Globe Foundation signed a partnership just two days ahead of the gruelling around the world sailing race’s official start.
Competitors in the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe around the world solo race set sail on 10th November to much fanfare in the French coastal town of Les Sables-d’Olonne. Amongst these was Boris Hermann, the German skipper sailing the Monaco-based Malizia Seaexplorer who is hoping to improve on his fifth-place finish and nab the top spot.
Though the race’s start was a highlight of the weekend, another big event took place just two days prior on 8th November as the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) and the newly formed Vendée Globe Foundation signed a partnership agreement dedicated to ocean protection and conservation.
Present were Prince Albert II, who alongside Alain Leboeuf, President of the Vendée Departmental Council and the Vendée Globe, Gilles Sallé, President of the Vendée Globe Foundation and Founding President of AMP Visual TV, and Olivier Wenden, Vice-President of FPA2, emphasised the significance of this partnership in advancing scientific efforts to understand and protect marine ecosystems.
The collaboration aims to harness the event’s momentum to promote sustainable ocean stewardship and encourage environmentally responsible behaviours.
It will also facilitate the involvement of a Vendée Globe skipper in the Young Leaders Programme, creating a link between sport, environmental awareness, and youth leadership. Prince Albert II has been named Honorary President of the Vendée Globe Foundation, with its mission to be guided by a Scientific Council under the leadership of Dr. Frank Zal.
This year, the foundation’s endowment fund is supporting three key projects: the Share the Ocean Consortium, the William Mission, and a collaborative initiative with UNESCO and the IMOCA Globe Series.
Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photo Credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier