In both cases , however , their boats are too badly damaged to make the six-day journey back to France . Vendee - around the world yacht race sets sail from Les Sables d'Olonne , France . 20 sailors in 18 m boats single - handedly sail around Europe in five days . One of the toughest sailing competitions , just half have ever finished . Two are in to race and already four sailors have pulled out .
Vendee - around the world yacht race sets sail from Les Sables d'Olonne , France . 20 sailors in 18 m boats single - handedly sail around Europe in five days . One of the toughest sailing competitions , just half have ever finished . Two are in to race and already four sailors have pulled out .