Lhe Vendée Globe is attracting more and more people: the regatta has broken all attendance records: +1.3 million visitors to the village over 3 weeks. An increase of 13% compared to 2016.
Yesterday at the start of the race, more than 500,000 came to cheer the 40 skippers along the channel. Banners, smoke bombs, shouts of supporters: the atmosphere of a football stadium reigned yesterday on the port pier.
The first places were highly sought after. The Swiss were well present at Les Sables d’Olonne: A Friborg couple got up very early to occupy the best places. “We got up at three in the morning. In the streets, there was already an incredible atmosphere,” says an amazed Sophie.
“In the channel we are going to experience exceptional moments”
Before communing with the crowd, on the pontoon it is again the old sea wolf Jean Le Cam, 6th participation, who speaks best of this legendary moment. “When we arrive in the channel, with this audience, we will experience exceptional moments,” he says calmly.
On the water, navigators enter the channel every 3 minutes. A well-orchestrated, timed ballet. They enjoy and put on a show on the deck of their ship. Some in pirate costume, Captain Hook style. Others, like the Chinese and Japanese skippers, put on their best traditional clothes. The Genevan Alan Roura kept his “Corto Maltés” version cap screwed on his head. The other representative from the end of the lake, Justine Mettraux, was more somber.
Switzerland, second most represented nation in the Vendée Globe
Christophe and Anne-Marie exulted as the Swiss skippers passed by. They specially traveled from French-speaking Switzerland to Vendée to support them. “With three sailors, Switzerland is the second most represented nation in the Vendée globe. That’s why we came,” explains Anne-Marie.
“In such fervor, the organization is really at the top”
In the crowd on the pier, Isabelle and Rémy are connoisseurs: apart from the Covid brackets, Isabelle and Rémy have attended all editions of the Vendée Globe. “I have been coming since 1989 with my children. We always have so much fun because there is such fervor. There are also more and more participants and the organization is really top-notch,” says Isabelle, resident of Montaigu and owner of a second home in Les Sables d’Olonne. Her husband, Rémi continues: “it’s a great moment of emotion to leave the Vendée Globe. For us, whether he arrives first or last is also important.”
Towards a 45,000 km regatta
Yesterday, the end of the channel marked the last moments of communion between navigators and spectators. The Vendée Globe sailors left for more than two months of regatta. A solo journey of more than 45,000 km around the world without stopovers and without assistance.
