The biggest sailing trip around the world leaves this Sunday and here's why it leaves at 1:02 p.m.
The Vendée Globe is a legendary race for all sailors, like the Tour de France in cycling or the World Cup in football, it is the biggest event for sailors. For two months, men and women cross the world solo and non-stop.
As always, the Vendée Globe starts from France, from the legendary port of Sables-d'Olonne in Vendée. This Sunday, November 10 will already be the 10th edition of a race which takes place every four years. And as usual, the race will start at… 1:02 p.m.! A special departure and a true tradition.
The reason for this special schedule is very simple, it is simply a matter of being able to benefit from the best possible media exposure for the event. Thus, the 1 p.m. television news are certain not to miss the live start of the race, while retaining their usual conduct: credits then announcement of headlines, before heading to the west of France.
“With 40 skippers at the start, a record 11 nationalities represented and 360,000 visitors during the first village week – +20% compared to 2016 – the event exceeds all expectations” explain the organizers, it was not the time to put an end to this tradition.
