On November 10, at 8 a.m., the first solo sailor will cast off his Imoca from the Port Olona pontoon. Then, his 39 opponents will follow each other every three minutes. A final goodbye to their loved ones and presto, they will each take turns entering the channel, which, every four years, is packed with people. It is one of the favorite places for the public to cheer the loners one by one. On the Chaume side or the fishing port side, the crowds gather very early on Sunday morning to get a prime spot. Flags, banners, horns… everything is good to encourage these sailors who are leaving for two and a half or three months at best.
Even if the pontoon is prohibited, the village will be open. Seeing the boats leave the pontoons one by one then experiencing the rise of the channel and the start on the giant screens is another possibility to fully experience this departure.
It is at 1:02 p.m. that the pack of 40 Imoca will be released: heading out to sea. From the large beach of Sables d'Olonne, with binoculars or a little further on the coast such as at Tanchet, Puits d'Enfer, Cayola, Paracou or Sauveterre, the first shores of the 40 solo sailors who will set off turn around the planet by the three capes will be visible.
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2 One more
For the most daring or the luckiest, it will be possible to experience the start of this 10th edition at sea. As with each race start with fast-moving boats, areas prohibited for navigation will be defined by maritime affairs. On board a passenger boat specially chartered to experience the departure, or on board personal boats, you will have to remain cautious. But if the conditions are suitable, the game is worth it.
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3 On which channels can you watch the start?
Without a boat, far from Les Sables d'Olonne, you will be able to experience everything via screens: on the Télégramme.fr website, but also in video on the Vendée Globe website, on the YouTube channel, on the various race networks. But also on France TV.
France
