The Vendée Globe: The Race of a Lifetime
By a certain combination of British wit and whirlwind comedy!
Ah, the Vendée Globe! The race that makes Olympic sprinting look like a leisurely Sunday stroll in a park! On Sunday, we’re witnessing the return of this legendary sailing race for its 10th edition, and folks, if you thought your last marathon was tough, try sailing around the world alone. It takes guts, skill, and perhaps a slight disregard for safety – which is frankly very British!
Mark Your Calendars: 1:02 PM Sharp!
Now, you may be wondering, “Why 1:02 PM and not a nice, round 1 PM?” Well, it’s all about the drama, darling! It seems they want to ensure that the media has sufficient time to roll their credits and do their thing. After all, what’s the point of setting off into the wild blue yonder if you can’t have a live audience watching your abandonment of shore life?
In total, we’ve got 40 skippers, including six brilliant women, ready to tackle a journey of over 45,000 kilometers (or 24,300 miles for those who still go by the medieval king’s measurement system). These sailors will first face the charms of the Atlantic, gracefully glide around Antarctica like it’s a dear friend on a Sunday outing, and then hug the South American coast tighter than a toddler with their favorite toy. It’s the ultimate nautical adventure! Or as I like to call it, “Going a little fuzzy in the head!”
Where to Watch the Action Unfold
If you’re not fortunate enough to be in Sables-d’Olonne, fear not! The spectacle will be broadcast live. France 3 and the L’Equipe channel are your go-to for all the salty sailor drama. France 3’s coverage starts at 12:55 PM, ensuring viewers are properly fueled with caffeine well before the gun goes off—or in this case, the horn of departure. With L’Equipe kicking off at 11:45 AM, they’ll serve you up the pre-game analysis: who’s going to be a hero and who’s just a brave lunatic trying to outsmart the ocean?
The Record to Beat
As we await this year’s daring sail, let’s take a moment to appreciate the majestic record held by Armel Le Cléac’h, who completed the race in an astounding 74 days, 3 hours, 35 minutes, and 46 seconds. The previous edition saw Yannick Bestaven cross the finish line after a modestly grueling 80 days. You think your week is difficult? Imagine 80 days on a boat, dodging waves and the occasional existential crisis! That’s like a really long camping trip, without the marshmallows!
Conclusion: Get Ready for the Waves!
So, whether you’re watching from the comfort of your home or standing on the shore cheering, prepare for an event that’s not just about sailing across the globe; it’s about endurance, strategy, and, let’s be honest, a touch of madness. Bon voyage and may the best sailor win—or at least may the one who remembers to bring snacks do better than the rest!
Now, if you need me, I’ll be here at exactly 1:01 PM, ready to shout, “Let the race begin!” as if I was the captain of a ship ready to sail into my own misadventures. Cheers!
Gauthier Delomez / Photo credits: Loic VENANCE / AFP 5:00 p.m., November 9, 2024, modified at 5:54 p.m., November 9, 2024
It is one of the most legendary races in sailing: the Vendée Globe returns this Sunday for a 10th edition which will pit no fewer than 40 skippers against each other. The participants will start at 1:02 p.m., very precisely, from Sables-d’Olonne. Here’s what you need to know so as not to miss the big start of the race.
Almost four years after Yannick Bestaven’s victory, the Vendée Globe returns this Sunday to Les Sables-d’Olonne. The start of the 10th edition of one of the most legendary races in the world of sailing will be given this Sunday, at 1:02 p.m., in a fervor which will undoubtedly be comparable to that already present on site, a few days before the event .
Why will the start be given at 1:02 p.m.?
In total, 40 skippers, including six women, must set off from Sables-d’Olonne to complete a journey of more than 45,000 kilometers (or 24,300 miles). The sailors first go down the Atlantic Ocean, go around Antarctica, then go up the South American coast to return to Vendée.
The big start of this race is therefore scheduled for this Sunday at… 1:02 p.m. Why these two extra minutes, and not 1 p.m. sharp? Quite simply to benefit from better media coverage. This gives time for the various television news programs to launch their credits, present their summary, and cover the departure live. If this event will therefore be offered in certain news, the France 3 channel will provide in-depth coverage, with a special broadcast scheduled from 12:55 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
At the same time, the L’Equipe channel, channel 21 of TNT, will also broadcast the grand start of the legendary sailing race, going on air from 11:45 a.m.
Grand start of the Vendée Globe 2024
Hourly : 13h02
Broadcasters: France 3 and the L’Equipe channel
As a reminder, the Vendée Globe record is held by Armel Le Cléac’h, who crossed the finish line in 74 days, three hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds. During the last edition, in 2020-2021, the winner Yannick Bestaven won in just over 80 days.
**Interview with Sandra Devereaux: Vendée Globe Expert and Sailing Enthusiast**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Sandra! The Vendée Globe is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable. What’s the buzz you’re hearing surrounding this year’s race?
**Sandra Devereaux:** Thanks for having me! Absolutely, there’s a lot of excitement! This year, we have an incredible lineup of 40 skippers, including six talented women. The anticipation is building as fans are eager to see who will take on the challenge of sailing around the world solo.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the impressive number of participants. Can you share more about what makes this race so unique compared to other sailing competitions?
**Sandra Devereaux:** The Vendée Globe is truly remarkable because it tests every facet of a sailor’s skill. It’s not just about speed; it’s about endurance, strategy, and mental resilience. These sailors are out there for up to three months, battling harsh weather conditions and the isolation of the ocean. It’s a test of both physical and psychological strength.
**Interviewer:** The race starts at 1:02 PM for a dramatic touch. Do you think this element of showmanship adds to the event’s appeal?
**Sandra Devereaux:** Absolutely! The timed start adds a layer of anticipation and excitement that captures the audience’s attention. It’s almost theatrical, making people feel connected to the action as they count down to see these brave souls embark on their journey into the unknown.
**Interviewer:** We’ve heard stories about past record holders. What do you think will be required of this year’s competitors to break previous records?
**Sandra Devereaux:** Breaking records usually comes down to a combination of technical prowess and a bit of luck with the weather. They must anticipate and adapt to changing conditions while managing their resources effectively. It’s about making split-second decisions that can save valuable time or, conversely, lead to setbacks.
**Interviewer:** For those who won’t be at Sables-d’Olonne, how can they tune in and experience the race?
**Sandra Devereaux:** Luckily, the race will be broadcast live on channels like France 3 and L’Equipe. They’re offering pre-race analysis and updates, so fans can stay engaged from start to finish. It’s a great way to feel the excitement from home—just grab your favorite snacks and enjoy the action!
**Interviewer:** As we gear up for the race, what final thoughts would you like to share with our viewers?
**Sandra Devereaux:** Just remember that the Vendée Globe isn’t just a race; it’s a celebration of adventure, human spirit, and a dash of madness! So whether you’re cheering from the shore or the comfort of your living room, let’s support these incredible sailors as they embark on the race of a lifetime. Bon voyage!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sandra, for your insights! Let’s get ready for what promises to be another thrilling edition of the Vendée Globe!
