Acclimating to the Event: A Rainy Day for the Vendée Globe Village Opening Brightened by Wide Smiles
by Vendée Globe media 19 Oct 10:06 PDT
19 October 2024
Officials Bruno Retailleau, Minister of the Interior, Alain Leboeuf (President of SAEM Vendee), Patricia Brochard (Sodebo President), and Yannick Moreau (Mayor of Les Sables d’Olonne) are seen with skippers during the Vendée Globe village inauguration © Jean-Louis Carli / Alea / VG2024
Despite heavy rain at times, the shared smiles among the 40 skippers, distinguished officials, and thousands of patiently waiting visitors made the adverse weather worthwhile.
The official inauguration of the race village for the tenth edition of the Vendée Globe took place this Saturday morning at 09:00.
Alain Leboeuf, President of the Vendée Globe and the Vendée Departmental Council, greeted Bruno Retailleau, the current Minister of the Interior and one of his predecessors. Meaningful moments were shared with Patricia Brochard, co-president of Sodebo, Yannick Moreau, mayor of Les Sables d’Olonne and president of Les Sables d’Olonne Agglomeration, and Isabelle Leroy, vice-president of the Pays de La Loire Region, alongside all the skippers.
From that moment on, attendees could enjoy the expansive village up until the race start on November 10. This marked a significant milestone for this record-breaking Vendée Globe. After weeks of hard work constructing a village that extends around the pontoons to over 30,000 m², the inauguration was celebrated.
The forty skippers, the last of whom arrived in Les Sables d’Olonne yesterday, were present. Along with them were Alain Leboeuf, Patricia Brochard, Yannick Moreau, and Isabelle Leroy.
A “great, popular celebration” commenced.
They welcomed Minister Bruno Retailleau, a member of the Barnier government, well-acquainted with the Vendée Globe from his term as President of the Vendée Departmental Council from 2010 to 2015 and his officiation during the seventh edition (2012-2013). After warmly embracing Alain Leboeuf, Bruno Retailleau ceremonially cut the tricolor ribbon to celebrate the inauguration.
“Thank you, Minister; we are fortunate to have you here,” stated Alain Leboeuf. “You know the Vendée Globe intimately, a true celebration for our department, our country, and beyond.”
Following the inauguration, the group moved to the Espace du Département de la Vendée, a grand 1200 m² exhibition where visitors can delve into the race’s history and meet the skippers.
They faced the rain with smiles.
After visiting, they headed to the pontoons, where intermittent rain failed to dampen spirits, especially knowing that the sailors would contend with harsher elements during the solo non-stop round-the-world race. Alain Leboeuf made a point of introducing each skipper to Bruno Retailleau. “We wish you all the best,” the minister said to each sailor.
British sailor Sam Goodchild created some excitement on one of his navigation screens aboard VULNERABLE. Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur Duo for a Job) hopped aboard Freelance.com with Guirec Soudée, while Benjamin Dutreux (GUYOT Environnement – Water Family) joined Manu Cousin on Coup de pouce. Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) at the end of the pontoon remarked once more that he “has the best seat,” despite some gusting winds making the area a bit uncomfortable.
With the village now open, everyone has the chance to explore the pontoons and browse all the stands available. Admission is free, but you need to reserve your e-ticket on the official website beforehand—everything is designed for a full immersion into the world of this iconic round-the-world sailing race. With all skippers present, it’s a perfect opportunity to visit the pontoons.
Turning dreams into reality.
Chinese sailor Jingkun Xu (Singchain Team Haikou) couldn’t hide his excitement, sharing that four years ago he was a visitor dreaming big, and now he’s here connecting with visitors as a skipper, “This is my second time in the village. Last time I was a visitor. This time I am a skipper, and I feel fantastic. I’m a bit stressed and nervous, but I’m thrilled; today is a significant day. The boat is nearly ready, but you never really stop working on it.”
Swiss sailor Ollie Heer was in the village last time but as part of Alex Thomson’s technical crew. He, too, sees his dream becoming a solid reality as fans queue at Tut Gut for signed photos, “Four years ago, I was here with Alex Thomson parked over there. I was one of the workers preparing the boat. It was ready, and we were very confident. Shortly after New Year, I was among the first to reach Cape Town. Four years ago, I had a vision I could be here with my own campaign, and it feels incredible to finally be here. While bringing the boat back from Cape Town, Alex encouraged me to pursue this, and two months later it came together, and here we are now. It feels amazing.”
Pip Hare, sporting a black eye from a minor incident while delivering her boat from Poole to Les Sables d’Olonne, views the next three weeks as a chance for personal time after a tense build-up: “I’m relieved to be here. It’s a significant turning point. We’ve been striving continually for the last three and a half years, and now we’re at a stage where we just refine things. I need to focus on myself over the next three weeks, which will be refreshing. I plan to run a lot, I’ve brought gym equipment for circuit training in the garden, and I’ll go wingfoiling. I’ve been advised to let my face heal (referring to her eye injury) before heading out. Being here feels like a vacation. I manage my business from my hometown in England, and now I can unwind and focus on myself.”
