Vendée Globe

Since the first edition of the Vendée Globe, fishermen have always worked alongside the event. They have traditionally towed the yachts out through the harbour channel in Les Sables d’Olonne, and ensured the safety perimeter was respected. This year once again, the fishing community has joined the organisers to remind everyone of the solidarity that exists between all those who go out to sea.

«We have a real dilemma for this year´s race: the fact that there are thirty boats imposes new constraints and the neap tides mean that the schedule for leaving the harbour has to be very tight, with four minutes between each boat… » However, Denis Horeau, the Vendée Globe race director, did not hesitate in calling upon the services of the local fishermen again. «Traditional towing methods used in previous races are impossible… That is why dual arrangements have been put in place. On the one hand, the competitors will be helped out by a fleet of RIBs made available by Zodiac. Secondly, the fishing boats will lead the way and form a sort of guard of honour for the competitors, as they make their way out through the channel.»
Thus, a small fleet of fifteen boats will become the security guards for the solo yachtsmen and yachtswomen. A great way to show that those, who work at sea and the adventurers are in fact close cousins.

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