British skipper Alex Thomson has broken two records in the 2016-17 Vendee Globe race. LOIC VENANCE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

He became the fastest sailor to reach the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa from the start line in western France. He also set the quickest time from the equator to Good Hope, one of Africa's most southerly points. LOIC VENANCE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Thomson also competed in the previous edition in 2012-13, finishing third. AFP/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

He embraces his wife Kate at the finish line in 2013. AFP/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Competitors make their way out to sea at the start of the 2016-17 Vendée Globe from in Les Sables-d'Olonne. DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Known as "the Everest of the Seas," the Vendee Globe was founded by Philippe Jeantot in 1989 and has been staged every four years since 1992. DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Spectators gather by the port at Les Sables-d'Olonne to farewell the competitors. LOIC VENANCE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Twenty-nine skippers set sail from France's Atlantic coast, embarking on a voyage around the southern Capes that takes approximately 100 days to complete. LOIC VENANCE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

French skipper Jean-Pierre Dick thanks the crowd lining the shore for their support before setting off. LOIC VENANCE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Japanese skipper Kojiro Shiraishi on his boat, Spirit of Yukoh. LOIC VENANCE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Swiss skipper Alan Roura, aboard La Fabrique, is the youngest competitor in this year's race at the age of 23. DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

The sailors race 60-foot (18.28-meter) monohull boats, with France having won all seven titles so far. LOIC VENANCE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Dick's Saint Michel-Virbac carves through the water. DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images