On Sunday, November 10, the 40 skippers of the Vendée Globe will begin the 10th edition of this legendary around-the-world race. Starting at 8 a.m., the boats will leave the dock one by one, every three minutes. The first to cast off will be Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance), one of the race favorites.

The sailors will descend the channel, providing a final opportunity to connect with the public after three weeks of excitement and intense exchanges in the village. This moment promises to be filled with emotion. The kickoff for the Vendée Globe will be given at sea at 1:02 PM.

Follow the Start from Home

Two live broadcasts of the start The organization will produce two live broadcasts of the start: the first from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for the dock departure, and the second from 12:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the offshore start. Thanks to advanced technical resources, real-time data, and new graphic overlays, these broadcasts promise to captivate viewers.

Spectators have several options for following the start from home:

- Television: Numerous channels worldwide will broadcast the live coverage of the dock and offshore departures. The list of channels will be announced on November 6.

- Digital: The event will be streamed live on the Vendée Globe YouTube channel, the race’s official website, and its Facebook page.

Watch the Start in Les Sables d’Olonne

At the Village

The Vendée Globe Village will open at 7 a.m. for visitors, with entry limited to those with an e-ticket available on the official race website. From the quay, visitors can experience the start-day excitement and watch the skippers set off (note that dock access will be closed to the public on November 9 and 10). Giant screens in the Village will broadcast the live start, and stands will remain open until 8 p.m. for a full experience.

Along the Channel

Spectators can gather along the sound-equipped channel to watch the 40 boats pass by. With large crowds expected, organizers ask for courtesy to ensure everyone enjoys the event. On the Chaume side, a giant screen will be set up near the Arundel Tower.

On the Seafront

The start can also be seen from the main beach of Les Sables d’Olonne; binoculars are recommended for a better view. Another giant screen will be located near the channel, facing the beach.

Traffic Notice

Expect significant traffic disruptions in Les Sables d’Olonne from the evening of November 9. More details are available on the city’s website.

SEE THE TRAFFIC PLAN 

 Other Viewpoints Around the City

For those who prefer less crowded spots, the beaches of Tanchet, the Puits d’Enfer, the bay of Cayola, as well as the beaches of La Paracou and Sauveterre also offer viewpoints on the departure area. However, it will be necessary to bring binoculars to fully enjoy the spectacle.
These areas are Natura 2000 zones (ZPS FR5400469 Pertuis Charentais & ZPS FR5212015 Marine Sector of Île d'Yeu), and the organization invites the public to be particularly vigilant in order to respect the fragile ecosystems: stay on marked paths, follow on-site instructions, leave no waste, and avoid trampling to protect the animal and plant species in these sites.

For Boaters

Boaters will also be able to observe the sea departure from a specific area, which will be determined on November 6 and can be consulted on the interactive map of the Vendée Globe website. The port of Les Sables d’Olonne will be closed from 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Adhering to safety guidelines and maintaining heightened vigilance are essential for the smooth conduct of the sea departure.

Thanks to this comprehensive setup, everyone will be able to fully experience the emotion of this departure, a moment of high intensity celebrating adventure and challenge!