One start, one finish, one lap of the planet...... alone. The Vendée Globe is the toughest offshore race in the world. And now, for its 10th edition it is also the biggest and the most competitive in the 40 year history of the event.

Matt Sheahan headed over to Les Sables d'Olonne ahead of the start to experience the spectacle of one of the biggest shows in sailing. He talks to skippers and gives his views on the runners and riders for this extraordinary race