How to Watch the Vendée Globe
by Vendée Globe Media 2 Nov 09:48 PDT
10 November 2024
Next Sunday, November 10th, the 40 participants of the Vendée Globe will commence the 10th edition of this historic solo, non-stop circumnavigation race.
The boats will leave the race pontoon individually starting at 8 a.m. (local time in France, UTC+1), with intervals of three minutes between each departure.
Leading the way will be Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance), a key contender for the title. The sailors will then navigate through the renowned Les Sables d’Olonne channel, a significant route that provides the public one final chance to bid farewell to the skippers and allows the solo racers to share an emotional moment with the tens of thousands of supporters lining the channel. After three weeks of festivities in the race Village, this marks the last interaction before the official start gun signals the fleet on its journey around the globe. The race will officially commence at 13:02 (local time).
Watch the start from home.
The organizing team will offer two live start broadcasts: the first from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (local times) as the boats depart from the pontoon, and the second from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. (local times) covering the start and the initial miles of the route. With cutting-edge techniques, real-time information, and innovative graphical designs, these live presentations promise to be both entertaining and informative for viewers.
Audiences have multiple ways to follow the start from home:
Television
Many international channels will showcase live coverage of the start day from both the pontoon and the open sea. A complete list will be released on November 6.
Digital
Live broadcasts of the start day will be accessible on the Vendée Globe’s YouTube channel, the race’s official website, and its Facebook page.
Experience the start in Les Sables d’Olonne.
In the village
The Vendée Globe village will open at 7 a.m. to greet visitors. Access is limited to those holding an e-ticket, obtainable on the official race website, as was the case on previous opening days. Visitors will have the chance to soak in the pre-race atmosphere and watch the skippers depart from the quay since the pontoon will be closed to the public on November 9 and 10. Giant screens will relay the live departures within the village, and the stands will be available until 8 p.m. to enhance the experience.
Along the channel
Spectators can gather along the channel, which will feature audio enhancements to accompany the parade of the 40 boats. With a significant public turnout expected, the organizers urge everyone to be courteous to ensure a pleasant experience for all. A giant screen will be situated at the foot of the Arundel Tower on the La Chaume side.
You can also view the start from Les Sables d’Olonne’s main beach, but binoculars are recommended for an optimal experience. A giant screen will be placed near the channel, facing the main beach.
Please note that traffic in Les Sables d’Olonne will be heavily disrupted starting the evening of the 9th. All relevant information can be found on the city’s website.
Check the traffic plan.
Alternative viewpoints in the city
For those seeking less crowded spots, the beaches of Tanchet, Puits d’Enfer, the bay of Cayola, and the shores of La Paracou and Sauveterre also provide views of the start area. However, binoculars will be necessary to fully enjoy the spectacle.
These locations are part of Natura 2000 areas (SPA FR5400469 Pertuis Charentais & SPA FR5212015 Marine Sector of the Île d’Yeu), and the organization encourages the public to be mindful of preserving delicate ecosystems: stay on marked paths, follow onsite guidelines, dispose of waste properly, and avoid trampling to protect local flora and fauna.
For boaters
Sailors will be able to observe the start from a designated area at sea, to be outlined on November 6 on the Vendée Globe’s interactive map. The port of Les Sables d’Olonne will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It is crucial to adhere to safety instructions and maintain heightened awareness for a smooth departure at sea.
This comprehensive setup ensures that everyone can fully experience the excitement of this race start, a powerful moment celebrating adventure and challenge!
