Six women sailors are to start the solo, around-the-world Vendee Globe 2020-21 on Sunday – a number of women greater than has competed since the race began in 1989. These six skippers are the focus of our coverage – the stories of courage and daring they bring to a competition with each other and 27 male sailors.

As blue-water sailor Pip Hare observed:

“More men have walked on the moon than women have completed the Vendée Globe, which is all the inspiration I need to succeed.”

The Vendee Globe 2020-21 fleet awaits the start on Sunday. Photo by Vincent Curutchet/Alea