On Sunday, the 29 skippers of the eighth edition of the solo, non-stop, and unassisted race set off from Les Sables d’Olonne. Story of a unique day.
It all started on Wednesday when an email made me smile broadly: “you are accepted on board a press boat, Sunday, for the start of the eighth edition. Please collect your pass from today.” For a first experience, a very first start, it’s a chance to witness such an event on the water. At 25, being a young journalist, this is pure bliss. And to think that it only takes place every four years…
Port Olona awakens
It’s barely 8 am when my little eyes (yes, I admit it) are fully alert. The quay at La Chaume, opposite Les Sables d’Olonne, is already packed. Newcomers are taking their places in the fourth or fifth row, not to mention the hundreds, nay, thousands of curious spectators on the rocks. And up to the village, there’s a steady stream of people who will wait an hour to catch a glimpse of the first skipper tackling the mythical Sablais channel, which brings tears at every departure.
Didac Costa kicks things off then hits trouble
It’s precisely 8:42 am when the 60-footer “One Planet One Ocean” leaves the docks of Port Olona to a loud cheer from the organizers. The channel holds its breath and then cheers the Catalan skipper as he sets out for his first Vendée Globe. This is followed by thousands of foghorn blows, applause, and cries of “fair winds” from 350,000 to 500,000 people, depending on the source. Whether live or on television, the images are stunning.
Roura the superstar
Ironically, due to my position on the quay of the commercial port, I find myself with the family of the youngest participant, Alan Roura, who will sail on “La Fabrique.” Dressed in red, with Swiss flags draped over their shoulders and ringing a necessary cowbell, the skipper’s sister captures the moment, tears in her eyes. 200m away, Alan Roura can hear the bells rung by his cousins. A beautiful moment of camaraderie and deep emotion.
Right on time
Passing through the channel, even on a press boat, is a special moment. Forty minutes after Sébastien Josse passes through, thousands are still amassed on the quays, applauding everything that passes. Once on the water, the spectacle is striking. There are hundreds of motorboats and inflatable boats, all well-orchestrated by the organizers who implemented a strict plan to prevent any incidents. Mission accomplished.
After a good half hour of sailing, we find ourselves on the south side of the water, near the area reserved for monohulls and teams. The 29 competitors will venture far offshore, hoist their sails, test their conditions, and eight minutes from liberation, everyone gathers together. Even on the press shuttle, the tension is palpable. At 1:02 pm, Prince Albert II of Monaco finally gives the start. Paul Meilhat and Thomas Ruyant get off to a great start… Bertrand de Broc, however, jumps the gun and is forced to recross the line. Fair winds to the 29 daredevils!
Josse the first real leader
After about an hour of racing, Sébastien Josse, on “Edmond de Rothschild,” is leading. Just a hundred meters from the leader, I must say I am impressed by the foils and the speed they give to their users. The “non-foilers” are being overtaken one by one, although, at the 10 pm check-in, Riou and Meilhat (2nd and 3rd) are holding their ground well.
Absolutely magnificent
The spectacle on the water is grandiose. Every competitor is followed by several boats. Behind ours, Thomas Ruyant is working hard to maintain his position in perfect weather: sunshine, 15 knots of wind, and a meter of swell. The captain of the “OGIA” is also on the lookout, moving from one boat to another to satisfy photographers and journalists. We accompany them for a good hour. And those 70 minutes were pure pleasure.
Costa returns to the docks too soon
A thunderclap after just an hour of racing. Far from the press boat, a vessel seems to be turning back. It was near the shore, when the network returned, that I learned of Didac Costa’s return to port due to a water ingress and autopilot issues. Arriving late in the afternoon, he expected to spend a day there. A tough start for the Catalan.
To conclude, I will quote some photographer colleagues who spent the day near me: “I’ve attended the World Cup, covered Messi’s goals, but the start of the Vendée Globe is incomparable… It’s far superior.” They said out loud what I wanted to write. See you in early November 2020!
