Ivica Kostelić sets his sights on the Vendée Globe

Ivica Kostelić has returned from Cannes, where he presented his project to compete in the Vendée Globe, one of the world's most demanding sailing races.

Speaking on the “Sports Minutes” segment, Kostelić said his goal is to compete in either 2028 or 2032. His first major challenges, however, will be raising the necessary funds and securing a boat.

The legendary former skier has devoted himself to sailing for years and now wants to take the next step by competing in the Vendée Globe, a solo, non-stop race around the world with no outside assistance.

“I joined the Yacht Club de Cannes and spoke with city officials because we have launched the Vendée Globe project, with Cannes serving as my base and the location where the boat will be stationed. The hardest part of the project lies ahead: raising the funds. It will be one of the smaller-scale projects within the Vendée Globe, yet it remains a significant financial undertaking,” Kostelić said.

First the boat, then the qualifiers

The Vendée Globe takes place every four years, starting and finishing in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France. Because of the extreme conditions, the race is known as the “Everest of the Seas.” Competitors sail IMOCA-class boats.

“Within the fleet—which is capped at 40 boats—there is a wide variety of vessels. There are boats that ‘fly’ under certain conditions; these are foiling boats, and they are extremely expensive. Then there are older boats without foils, which are significantly slower. Simply finishing the regatta—conquering the ocean, in a sense—is highly valued.”

Kostelić estimates that the slower boats can complete the circumnavigation in 75 to 110 days.

To reach the starting line, he will first have to secure a boat and complete the qualifying cycle.

“The most important thing now is to secure a boat—to charter one—then assemble a team, and finally undertake the qualifying cycle, which consists of three regattas over two years. I have to finish one of those three regattas. With 1.2 to 1.5 million euros, we can make it to the Vendée Globe.”

“Every day is a battle; the ocean has its own rhythm”

Kostelić says the challenge is not only about speed and technology but also about pushing the limits of human endurance.

“Alongside the America's Cup, this is the most important sailing competition today. There is no greater regatta for solo sailors. It is a crown-jewel event, not just in sailing but in the world of sports.

“It draws attention not only because of rapidly advancing technology but also because of the limits of human capability. The forces involved are immense; it is a hybrid of man and boat—one of the toughest challenges in the world.

“Every day is a battle; you try to go as fast as possible, yet the ocean has its own rhythm. You are competing constantly; the sea is an environment where you are always in action. It demands a huge amount of energy.

“If you are competing, you sleep as little as possible. It can happen that you go 48 hours without sleep, though it is said one can manage up to four or five hours of rest.”

Making time for skiing

Asked whether he will find time for skiing with all his sailing plans, Kostelić gave a brief answer:

“I hope that I will find time to go skiing for my soul, with my family.”

Cannes also has a special connection to the Kostelić family. His father, Ante, once played handball in the city.