Next Sunday, that is the 10th of November, the 40 skippers of the Vendée Globe will start the 10th edition of the legendary solo non stop round the world race. From 8 a.m. (local time France, +1hr UTC) , the boats will cast off from the race pontoon one by one, every three minutes.
The first to leave the dock will be Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance), one of the favourites for the event. The sailors will then pass down the famous Les Sables d’Olonne channel, a symbolic passage which is always the public’s last chance to bid farewell to the skippers and for the solo racers themselves to share this special, emotional moment with the tens of thousands of well wishers who always line the channel. After three weeks of celebrations in the race Village this, as always, is the final interaction before the start gun to send the fleet on its way around the world. The race itself starts at 1302hrs (local time).
Follow the start from home
Two live start programmes will be produced by the organisation, the first from 7:30 am to 10:30 am (local times) for the dock out from the pontoon, then from 12:15 pm to 2 pm (local times) for the start on the water and the first few miles of the course. Thanks to advanced techniques, real-time data and new graphical design, these live broadcasts promise to be entertaining and informative for the public.
Several options are available to spectators to follow the start from home:
Television
Many channels around the world will broadcast stat day live from the pontoon and at sea. We will publish the full list on November 6.
Digital
The start day programmes will be broadcast live on the Vendée Globe’s YouTube channel, the race’s website, and the official Facebook page.
Follow the start in Les Sables d’Olonne
In the village
The Vendée Globe village will open its doors at 7am to welcome visitors. Only e-ticket holders can access the event, with tickets available on the official race website, as on other opening days. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the start and to see the skippers set sail from the quay, as the pontoon is closed to the public (on 9 and 10 November). Giant screens will broadcast the live departures in the village and the stands will remain open until 8 p.m. to maximised the experience.
The channel
Spectators can gather along the channel, equipped with sound for the occasion to enhance the experience as the 40 boats pass by. With large crowds expected, the organizers ask everyone to be considerate to ensure an optimal experience for all. A giant screen will stand at the foot of the Arundel Tower on the La Chaume side.
You can also watch the start from the main beach of Les Sables d’Olonne, but bring binoculars for a better view of the action. There will be a giant screen, near the channel, facing the main beach.
Be aware that traffic in Les Sables d’Olonne will face major disruptions starting the evening of the 9th; find all details on the city’s website.
https://www.vendeeglobe.org/en
@VendeeGlobe
