British sailor raises €800k for charity during French race
Sam Davies completed the gruelling Vendée Globe sailing course today and, despite being technically out of the race, raised enough money to help 102 children with heart problems
British sailor Sam Davies completed the Vendée Globe this afternoon (February 26) - a solo, round-the-world, non-stop sailing race, often dubbed the Everest of the Seas - touching down in the Sables d’Olonne, west France, after over three-and-a-half months at sea.
Her finish will not officially count as she had to stop during the race to make repairs after her boat struck an unidentified floating object on December 2.
She docked for ten days in Cape Town, South Africa, before setting off again in order to continue raising money for charity.
She was sailing for the Initiatives-Coeur team, which combines sport with humanitarian work in the form of supporting the non-governmental organisation Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque.
The association enables children suffering from heart problems who come from underprivileged countries where it is impossible to get operations, to come to France where they are hosted by a family and receive treatment.
Every time someone likes the Initiatives Coeur Facebook or Instagram page, or shares a Facebook post, Initiatives Coeur’s partners donate €1 to the cause.
Through competing in the Vendée Globe, Ms Davies managed to raise a total of €793,010, €510,243 from social media clicks and €282,767 through direct donations. This is enough to help 102 children.
Ms Davies had one final message too. While waiting for the port of arrival to open, she navigated her boat in the shape of a heart.
Ms Davies was one of six women competing in the race this year.
Her French partner, Romain Attanasio, was also competing in the race. He finished in 14th place, arriving back on February 6.
Two sailors, Alexia Barrier and Ari Huusela are still to finish the race. Ms Barrier is set to finish between February 28 and March 1 and Mr Huusela should finish on March 5 or 6.
The year marks the ninth edition of the Vendée Globe, the world’s only round-the world, solo, non-stop and without assistance sailing race.
The event takes place every four years and starts and finishes in Les Sables d’Olonne in the department of Vendée.
Read more:
Briton Sam Davies is sailing in her third Vendée Globe
Sam Davies out of Vendée Globe but keeps sailing for charity
Vendee Globe: Epic rescue after solo sailor's boat breaks
