Start of the Vendée Globe 2020 -

20 Minutes

  • For the ninth edition of the Vendée Globe, the Vendée prefecture had decided to go behind closed doors around the Sables d'Olonne channel.

  • You had to have a balcony to watch the skippers depart from the pontoons.

  • For other residents, it was necessary to bring a certificate because the police were in number to monitor.

In Les Sables d'Olonne, we are (very) frustrated, but we still have a sense of humor.

The 33 skippers, when leaving the channel, probably did not miss a message posted on their way: "Lucky guys, at sea, there is no Covid!"

“Dozens of banners were also scattered in the Sablais channel that the sailors crossed early this Sunday.

A banner at the level of the Sables d'Olonne channel.

- LOIC VENANCE / AFP

There were almost more banners and flags than spectators, but perhaps fewer than police forces.

Health context requires, the start of this 9th edition of the Vendée Globe was given behind closed doors.

All the docks were prohibited, the beaches closed.

And the constabulary was not kidding with the rules ...

Impossible for residents of La Chaume, for example, to take a seat on the quay and see the skippers up close.

“I don't feel privileged, it's shameful, plague Laurence.

We were even asked to back off the ganivelles.

"Ladies and gentlemen, verification of certificates please!"

», Launches a policewoman, devoid of any smile despite a spring sun.

"You see, they control us in addition," groans Jean-Louis.

In the distance, Manuel Cousin, who lives in Les Sables d'Olonne, provokes a great clamor among the Chaumois, having filled out a certificate authorizing them to go out for an hour ... "It's a bit ridiculous, we live right here and we can't even not go to the platform, scolds Julie.

What we are going to do is that we are going to get another certificate and we are going to change our clothes… "

The lucky ones on their balcony

But beware, the police have an eye.

“We even have to hide to watch boats go by, regrets Françoise.

Well, we can still say that we were there.

The dozens and dozens of inhabitants on their balconies will also be able to boast of having witnessed the first minutes of navigation by the 33 skippers.

And without being checked.

"We try to watch the start, we manage as best we can with a pot and binoculars," says Florian, who has a balcony overlooking Port Olona.

We see the skippers in the distance, we try to say hi to them.

We would prefer to be outside, but we are not allowed to go out!

All these residents are aware of being lucky, privileged.

A few privileged people on the Chaume side ... @Zonemixte # VendeeGlobe2020 pic.twitter.com/dUu9advGJO

- David Phelippeau (@dphelippeau) November 8, 2020

In the distance, Vendée flags are waving.

Others to the glory of Jean Le Cam and Arnaud Boissières, local of the stage, are proudly displayed.

"He's our Sablais de coeur, he's a friend," explains Pascal, leaning on the railing of his balcony overlooking the Quai de la Chaume.

We are not allowed to descend, but we still saw on the channel.

We have a thought for all these people who are in front of the television and those who could not come.

"

"We are lucky to be able to see the boats live," Alexandre and Leïla conclude in chorus, also positioned on their balcony.

We live here, it's a chance.

We know it's a privilege to see this with our own eyes.

“And they were indeed very few to be able to take advantage of that, this Sunday, for the start of the 9th edition.

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  • Vendée Globe

  • 20 minutes video

  • Sport

  • Sail

  • Sables d'Olonne