French solo yachtsman Jean-Luc van den Heede (72 is a competitor in the 2018 Golden Globe Race This 5-time circumnavigator already holds the record for the fastest solo west-about non-stop circumnavigation against the prevailing winds and currents, and has been a podium finisher in four previous solo round the world races. He finished 2nd in the 1986 BOC Challenge Around Alone Race, 3rd in the 1990 Vendee Globe Race, 2nd in the 1993 Vendee Globe Race and 3rd in the 1995 BOC Challenge Around Alone Race. Van den Heede bought a Rustler 36 yacht last year, which he refitted and spent the winter months test sailing out in the Atlantic. He has won sponsorship from the French insurance group MATMUT.

By Sarah