“Hello Benjamin, can you hear us? » This Monday, November 11, 2024, around 12:45 p.m., Benjamin Dutreux (Guyot Environnement – Water Family) is called by the broadcast Vendée Live. “I can hear you very well” , replies the navigator, who appears on video inside his Imoca. He crossed the starting line of the Vendée Globe less than 24 hours earlier, like his 39 competitors. “The wind is very unstable, there are lots of clouds… It’s not always easy to find your way. It's a nice warm-up, with a lot of maneuvers.” explains the Vendée skipper.
This call from the sea was broadcast live during this first broadcast. It takes place every day, at 12:30 p.m. from the race headquarters, in the village of Sables-d'Olonne (Vendée). The public can attend or discover it on the Vendée Globe website and its social networks. An analysis of the race, weather conditions and videos filmed by the skippers on board are also offered during this daily half-hour.
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Suzanne, Roger and their daughter Nathalie were there. “I love the sessions, the interviews with the skippers. We can see them and we have all their emotions,” explains Suzanne, who lives in Les Sables-d'Olonne with her partner and has followed every Vendée Globe since 2000.
A first in public… Without too much public
This Monday, however, it was not easy to attend the show. “We found out it started today while reading the newspaper. But at the entrance, they wouldn't let us pass. I had to insist,” explains Nathalie, from Haute-Savoie, who came to see her parents for the start of the Vendée Globe.
There was in fact very little audience for this premiere. “Before, there were more people, assures Suzanne. A few years ago, it was on the beach, then it was moved to the town hall. » Roger confirms: “We would pass by and see what was happening. It was friendly. » Despite the difficulties, the family nevertheless enjoyed the show and intends to come ” every day ” , warns Suzanne.
