The long-awaited moment is approaching: the first Vendée Globe skippers should cross the finish line in Les Sables d'Olonne in mid-January. These ETAs (Estimated Time Arrival) announce a new reference time for this 10th edition: the winner should beat Armel Le Cléac'h's record (74 days and 3 hours) set during the 2016 edition.
Whether you choose to follow the event from the comfort of your own home or to experience the excitement first-hand, here's everything you need to know to make sure you don't miss out on any of the finishes!
In front of your screen: total immersion from the comfort of your own home!
The race organizers are setting up a major production facility to cover the winner's arrival: on-board cameras and helicopters to capture spectacular images.
- Live arrivals on TV: the crossing of the line and the winner's ascent of the channel will be broadcast live on France Télévision and many other channels in France and abroad
- Live arrivals on social networks: all arrivals, day and night, will be broadcast live on the official Vendée Globe pages, in French and English, via YouTube and on the race's Facebook page.
- Analysis and summaries: find out more about each skipper's route, highlights and performances on the race website. Interactive cartography also allows you to explore the multimedia content associated with each track around the world.
IN LES Sables d'Olonne: at the heart of the hustle and bustle
For the lucky ones, experiencing the finish on site is an unforgettable experience. A fireworks display will accompany the winner's ascent of the channel, and a special arrivals area will be set up to welcome the first skipper:
- Entertainment and a festive atmosphere: a stage and a giant screen will be set up to welcome visitors in a convivial atmosphere.
- A TV set to watch the Vendée Live program every day at 12:30 p.m., open until February 2.
- A unique moment: the ascent of the channel: witness this magical moment when the skippers, greeted by thousands of spectators, wave to the crowds gathered on the quayside.
From January 14 at 12:00 to February 2, the village is open to the public (without ticket sales) from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm:
- Museographic area of the Département de la Vendée, with a new immersive exhibition on the race, accessible from February 16.
- VandB bar area open from 11am to 1am (2am on Friday and Saturday).
In this area, round-table discussions will take place from Wednesday to Sunday at 3pm, starting January 18, meetings with arriving skippers at 6:30 p.m, concerts followed by DJ sets on Friday and Saturday. (+ Special concerts for the arrival of the first skippers). - Savoury and sweet foodtrucks, including the Sodebo foodmobile
Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate these heroes of the seas and their incredible adventure around the globe. Whether you're watching the arrivals from the comfort of your living room or on the spot, every moment promises to be emotionally charged. The “ETAs” are broadcast on the race website and will be updated in real time.
on water
The race organizers strongly advise yachtsmen not to watch the competitors' arrivals at sea, especially at night. Even taking all the necessary precautions, weather conditions can be difficult at this time of year, the seas choppy, the IMOCA boats unpredictable as they approach the finish line... However, as the sea is a free space, it is not possible to prohibit access to it. For those who still wish to go there, it is imperative to strictly respect the safety instructions and not to approach closer than 60 meters from the boats, to guarantee the safety of all.
Compagnie Vendéenne charters a boat for the arrival of the winner of the Vendée Globe on January 14 for a single rate of €60. To book, click here: Compagnie Vendéenne - Arrival of the winner of the Vendée Globe.
