Vendee Globe skippers at the Elysees Palace

As Francois Gabart is presented with the Legion d'Honneur

On Monday at 12:30 pm, the President of the French Republic received all of the Vendée Globe skippers and used the occasion to present the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur to François Gabart, winner of the 2012-3 singlehanded non-stop round the world race.

For Bruno Retailleau, President of the SAEM Vendée, present at the Elysée today: “The ceremony was a great way to enhance the sporting and human values of some exceptional men and women."

This recognition from the highest authority of the French state also shows the success and influence of the Vendée Globe. The event resides among France's top sporting properties and is one of the few that France takes pride in internationally.

Vendee Globe winner Francois Gabart with French President, François Hollande