Even if the village does not open until Wednesday. Even if some sixty competitors are still expected. Saint-Malo had a good taste of rum this weekend. With the arrival in particular, of 34 boats in the port.

"It's not yet the Route du Rhum, but there are already people," says a lady, waiting for the entry of several boats at the airlock of 15:36, this Sunday. And when the lock opened, finally, at 4:20 pm, applause accompanied the sailors.

This Sunday afternoon, many people were waiting for the entry of several competitors at the locks. | Nadine Paris

"We will come every day"

Alain and Edith, two inhabitants of Intra-muros, do not lose a crumb. "This is our first day Route du Rhum. She began the morning, bastion of Holland, in the walls, to follow the arrival of the first competitors.

"They are approaching the engine, except The Funeral Choice, by Nils Boyer, who set sail. " Once past the lock, this retired couple accompanies them in the basins, where they mate, alongside the twenty boats of the Malouins.

"In the evening, we witness the lighting trials on the ramparts, with the spots on the boats ... It's great. There are more than usual. "

All the docks are not yet accessible, because of the construction of the Village, which will open on Wednesday. | Nadine Paris

The Ultims from Thursday

And from today, they will come every day, "preferably in the morning or in the evening, when there will be fewer people. This is fortunate for those who live in Saint-Malo or who rented a home during these holidays.

The boats continue to arrive this week. Four are scheduled today and 25 Tuesday. All will have to be there for Wednesday, October 24, the opening day of the village. Or almost. The stars of the race, the Ultimate, will make their appearance along the water, from Thursday.

Traffic was difficult at the Naye roundabout in Saint-Malo. | Nadine Paris