Fans of the Vendée Globe, which is due to start in three weeks, can visit the race village on Saturday.

But they will be fewer than in other years to be able to attend the departure, due to the restrictions decided in the face of the coronavirus epidemic. 

REPORTAGE

This is a somewhat special edition of the Vendée Globe which will take place this year, due to the coronavirus epidemic.

The 33 yachts in the solo race must set off in three weeks from Les Sables-d'Olonne, but in front of a smaller crowd than in other years.

Fans will still be able to visit the Vendée Globe village from Saturday. 

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"Entrance by reservation".

We are very far from the “super festive and maximum attendance” spirit of previous editions: no more than 5,000 people simultaneously, in the Vendée Globe village and along the pontoons.

The skippers, also masked, will rather stay away from a public, which nevertheless remains understanding, like Liliane. 

"It's up to us to pay attention to them, that's for sure. We mustn't approach them," she reacts to the microphone of Europe 1. "I understand that they don't come towards either. us. It's too important for them, they've been preparing for years, "she continues.

"I have an admiration for these people. It's great, they have exceptional courage."

"We are going to confine ourselves earlier than what is recommended"

In a department that has just passed into a highly vulnerable situation, the skippers comply with a demanding health protocol.

This is the case for Clément Giraud, who is preparing to compete in his first Vendée Globe on "Compagnie du Lit".

"We washed our hands 200 times when we were only three on the boat for three days. We are careful, here I am going to be tested. We are going to confine ourselves much earlier than what is recommended. , two and a half weeks before, with the family, ”he describes.

And to add: "My thoughts are more with those who are struggling in hospitals and are trying to manage it."

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On November 8, the day of departure, only 9,000 people will be able to applaud the heroes along the Channel des Sables.

4 years ago, they were ... 350,000.