DMG MORI Global One - Once around the world
In November last year, Kojiro Shiraishi set sail in our specially designed high-tech yacht DMG MORI Global One to contest Vendée Globe. 33 skippers set off with their boats to take part in the toughest regatta in the world - Once Around the World. Kojiro's journey lasted 94 days until he successfully returned to the port of Les Sables d'Olonne on February 11th. This was a dream come true for him.
Every four years, the Vendée Globe takes place; a single-handed regatta that starts and finishes in France - in the place that gives it its name, Vendée. The skippers have to sail their boats non-stop over 24,000 nautical miles sideways from the Southern Ocean. They are always alone. Health and mechanical problems have to be overcome by themselves while the sailing yacht sails over the waves.
Kojiro Shiraishi is the first Asian to successfully master the Vendée Globe. He already made the attempt four years ago, but had to abort due to a broken mast. The skipper successfully seized the new opportunity; thus, he was finally able to fulfill his dream. Kojiro was on his own on the stormy sea for a total of 94 days, 21 hours, 32 minutes and 56 seconds until he finally crossed the finish line.
The forces acting on the sailing yacht are enormous. With the establishment of DMG MORI SAILING TEAM's in October 2018, we made it our mission to build a high-tech yacht that can withstand the weather conditions, and bring our skipper Kojiro safely to his destination. The construction of the IMOCA 60 took place right in France, and took about nine months. Some of the components were manufactured in our 5-axis and turning/milling machines. At the end of August last year, the DMG MORI Global One was launched into the water for the first time, to take part in the qualifying race for the Vendée Globe just a short time later.