
Rich Wilson is entering the Vendee Globe race for the second time -- now at the age of 66.

These are the kind of conditions the sailors can expect in the Southern Ocean.

French skipper Bertrand de Broc on board his Imoca class monohull MACSF ahead of his fourth attempt at the Vendee Globe race. He was ninth in 2013 -- his only finish.

Frenchman Jeremie Beyou at the nerve center of his Maitre Coq monohull off Lorient, western France. He has failed to finish the last two Vendee Globes.

Arnaud Boissieres shows the sophisticated communications technology on his yacht La Mie Caline. The Frenchman is competing for the third successive Vendee Globe, having finished seventh and eighth previously.

Eric Bellion in calm waters on his yacht Comme Un Seul Homme (Like a Lone Man) off the Port-la-Foret coast, western France. An experienced ocean racer, he is making his Vendee Globe debut.

Paul Meilhat, another first-timer, checks the rig of his yacht SMA ahead of the race. Last year the French sailor suffered a fractured pelvis and rib during a solo event.

Getting ready for the challenge ahead -- Beyou on board his Open 60 Maitre Coq.

Protected from the elements -- French skipper Armel le Cleac'h on Banque Populaire off the Port-la-Foret coast, western France. Not yet 40, he has already been a runner-up twice in the Vendee Globe.