The Vendée Globe is a round-the-world single-handed yacht race, sailed non-stop and without assistance. The race takes place every four years.
As the only single-handed non-stop round-the-world race, it is a serious test of individual endurance, and is regarded by many as the ultimate in ocean racing.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vend%c3%a9e_Globe
Samantha Davies is one of two women entering the contest this year.
www.vendeeglobe.org/en/edition-2008/skippers/7/samantha-d...
They leave the harbour this afternoon...