Jean-Luc van den Heede (70) 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 has chosen to race a Rustler 36 yacht.