The prefecture has banned the usual gathering to celebrate the arrival of the first Vendée Globe skippers, which is scheduled for Wednesday in Sables-d'Olonne.

But for some Sablais, impossible to stay in front of their TV for this event.

They will be on the balconies along the canal to greet the sailors.

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The skippers at the head of the Vendée Globe, the legendary sailing race around the world, are expected from Wednesday at Les Sables-d'Olonne, from where they left 78 days ago.

And if it is a little early to scan the horizon, the inhabitants of the Vendée city are already preparing to experience the arrival, despite a special atmosphere linked to the anti-Covid-19 restrictions.

As at the start, the public will not be accepted on the edges of the channel to welcome the solitary sea.

But some Sablais have found the solution. 

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While the navigators are engaged in a bitter naval battle, by the sea the Sablais are enjoying the sun for the moment.

And opinions are mixed on the choice of the prefecture to decree the ban on access to the channel on the day of arrivals.

"Of course we would have gone there. It's a shame that things are different elsewhere," laments a passerby at the microphone of Europe 1. "It's a bit normal with everything that is happening in cause of the Covid. Well, we have to make a reason, that's how it is, "relativizes a walker.

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Usually, tens of thousands of Sablais gather along the channel to greet the return of the heroes.

For some, the urge is too strong to stay in front of their TV.

They therefore found a subterfuge to observe and congratulate the skippers.

They will be posted on the balconies of the buildings that run along one side of the channel.

“I'm going to my brother-in-law's. There is a balcony that opens directly onto it, so that's not a problem,” said a man who was obviously very satisfied.

"On the balcony, we're going to watch them arrive. We're hugging them," another smirked.

"There you go, so we're impatiently awaiting Wednesday," concludes a Sablaise.

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In Les Sables-d'Olonne, the return of sailors will therefore be calm.

But maybe not in total silence.