Le Chameau at Vendée Globe 2024 — the World’s Greatest Sailing Race
Words by Le ChameauNovember 08, 2024
As Vendée Globe 2024 sets sail, Le Chameau is proud to announce our partnership with skippers Guirec Soudée, Violette Dorange, Benjamin Ferré, Denis Van Weynbergh, Jean Le Cam and Eric Bellion.
The world’s most challenging solo ocean race, Vendée Globe is an elite showcase of endurance, resilience and skill taking place over a course of 44,000 miles. We are honoured to support each of our skippers’ voyages with two of Le Chameau’s finest marine boots — Neptune and Pontus.
Neptune and Pontus: Crafted for Adventure
More than just sailing boots, both Neptune and Pontus are handcrafted to withstand the most demanding maritime conditions on earth. The foundation of choice for elite sailors, both styles were designed in collaboration with a selection of the greatest yachtsmen and ocean racers of modern times.
The Iconic Marine-Grade Wellington Boot
Named after the Roman god of the sea, Neptune has been the ultimate foundation to extreme marine expeditions since 1992. Handcrafted in our atelier by a dedicated Maître Bottier, each pair of Neptune boots honours our heritage of innovation, quality and comfort.
Rendered in our iconic Chamolux rubber and lined in neoprene, Neptune offers exceptional saltwater resistance and insulation. Comfortable in temperatures as low as -15°C, the marine-grade boots feature a distinctive wave-guard gaiter that quickly drains water with the pull of a cord. Set on a non-marking outsole with suction grip, Neptune ensures firm contact with boat decks even at wave-induced inclines.
The Essential Leather Sailing Boot
A tribute to the Greek god of the sea, Pontus was created for impeccable performance in extreme maritime conditions.
Crafted from grained leather that’s resistant to saltwater corrosion, the waterproof boot features a four-layer membrane lining that insulates in conditions as cold as -20°C. Breathable and moisture wicking, Pontus features a concealed Sure-Fit elastic for unrivalled comfort, and an innovative Michelin KA521 sole for excellent stability and water dispersal.
Introducing Our Vendée Globe Ambassadors
Our community of luminaries at Vendée Globe 2024 share in our vision to innovate, inspire and walk new ground. Get to know Le Chameau Ambassador Guirec Soudée and our cohort of intrepid skippers taking part in Vendée Globe 2024.
Guirec Soudée
French adventurer and Le Chameau Ambassador Guirec Soudée is famed for incredible maritime voyages across the world: once famously accompanied by his red hen, Monique. It’s with great pleasure that we follow and support his participation during Vendée Globe 2024.
Violette Dorange
French sailor Violette Dorange advocates and inspires young sailors with her record-breaking achievements, which include being one of the youngest women on the major solo ocean race circuit.
Benjamin Ferré
Known for solo ocean races and epic long-distance voyages, Benjamin Ferré inspires others by sharing stories of his bold and challenging expeditions.
Denis Van Weynbergh
Former CEO and journalist Denis Van Weynbergh’s love of sailing has been lifelong. He hopes to become the first Belgian national to complete the Vendée Globe.
Jean Le Cam
Sailor and Vendée Globe veteran Jean Le Cam has completed multiple round-the-world races and is admired for his resilience, skill and bravery during high-sea rescues.
Eric Bellion
Sailor, adventurer and public speaker Eric Bellion inspires diversity and teamwork by recounting his experiences at sea. He advocates for others to embrace their innate courage and push beyond personal limits.
Le Chameau: A Heritage of Excellence and Innovation
Le Chameau has crafted the world’s finest Wellington boots since our founding in Normandy in 1927. Built on an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation and refinement, our Maison’s heritage endures in our iconic footwear, which is handcrafted by Maître Bottiers to ensure unparalleled resilience and comfort.
Renowned for pioneering the invention of Chamolux — an exclusive blend of sustainably sourced natural rubbers — Le Chameau remains dedicated to creating timeless Wellington boots that are completely waterproof, extraordinarily supple and comfortable beyond compare.