Irish to the fore in the Vendee Globe - one of world's most difficult sporting challenges

Last Sunday in a little French fishing village called Les Sables D’Olonne a race began which many people say is the most difficult sporting challenge left in the world today, writes Stewart Hosford.

Called the Vendee Globe the race sees 29 boats, all 60ft long, being sailed solo around the world without stopping.

The rules are pretty simple. You cannot stop, set foot on dry land and are not allowed any assistance or you are disqualified. Athletes at the top of their game competing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for weeks and months on end.