Years ago Jean-Luc and I read a book called The Long Way by Bernard Moitessier who had sailed in a race that left from Britain and rounded all the capes in the southern hemisphere. It was a solo race around the world, non-stop and non-assisted. This race now leaves from France and has become what is known today as The Vendee Globe which happens every 4 years. Jean-Luc and I became fascinated with this race and the people who entered it. There are many great books about it including one of my favourites - Godforesaken Sea about the 1996 race. Now a days, you can follow it on the internet at
http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en/
One of my reasons to come to France now was to see the start of this year's race. Fortunately for me, the mother of one of Jean-Luc's friends lives just outside of Les Sables d'Olonnes and welcomed me to stay. It would not only be me, but her son and his family and her brother-in-law and wife (sound familiar?). Yes is was a full house. I arrived on the 8th and although she spoke no english we managed quite well. The rest of the family arrived on the evening of the 9th. Thursday was the last day to go down to the docks and see the boats up close. I rubbed shoulders with Jean Le Cam - who in the race of 2008 capsized off Cape Horn. I saw Tanguy de Lamotte and Vincent Riou - a previous winner but I did not see my idol Samantha Davies - the only woman in the race. There were thousands of people around in a very exciting atmosphere.
November 10th was race day. We left the house just after 7:00 am and when we got to the port the world had already arrived. Thousands lined the length of the channel where the boats would pass on their way out to the start line. We were headed to their favourite spot but as the rain clouds gathered, it was decided to take up an offer of viewing the race from the 5th floor of an apartment along the channel. We bought wine, bread, cheese and oysters and made our way to the apartment. Well fortune smiled upon me once again - it was the most perfect place to see the boats (and stay out of the rain!!)
I felt like a child waiting for Santa Claus. As the first boat made it's way down the channel, skippered by Brenard Stamm who in 2008 broke his femur and was rescued by the Australian navy, my emotions took over. I was so excited but at the same time it was hard to hold back the tears wishing so much Jean-Luc could have been here. I had the same feeling the day before when we stopped at a lovely port along the coast. A sailboat was entering the harbour and I could only imagine how it would have been for Jean-Luc and I crossing the Atlantic ocean and arriving in a new port in a new country. I accepted these emotions and was able to enjoy the excitement of the day. We watched all 20 boats come down the channel, the crowds cheering as their favourites went by and then we raced down the coast to watch the boats jockey for position at the start. What an incredible event to witness. I understand it is even more impressive when three months later the boats cross the finish line. Maybe I will be able to get back to see this happen. Unfortunately two boats have already has to withdraw, one because it lost it's keel and the other was hit by a fishing trawler. Both skippers are safe.
I am back in Paris now. Going to catch up with friends from Whistler who are here taking an art course and then down to Lyon to see some more family and then to Eymet to get set up in my house for the winter!!!
http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en/
One of my reasons to come to France now was to see the start of this year's race. Fortunately for me, the mother of one of Jean-Luc's friends lives just outside of Les Sables d'Olonnes and welcomed me to stay. It would not only be me, but her son and his family and her brother-in-law and wife (sound familiar?). Yes is was a full house. I arrived on the 8th and although she spoke no english we managed quite well. The rest of the family arrived on the evening of the 9th. Thursday was the last day to go down to the docks and see the boats up close. I rubbed shoulders with Jean Le Cam - who in the race of 2008 capsized off Cape Horn. I saw Tanguy de Lamotte and Vincent Riou - a previous winner but I did not see my idol Samantha Davies - the only woman in the race. There were thousands of people around in a very exciting atmosphere.
November 10th was race day. We left the house just after 7:00 am and when we got to the port the world had already arrived. Thousands lined the length of the channel where the boats would pass on their way out to the start line. We were headed to their favourite spot but as the rain clouds gathered, it was decided to take up an offer of viewing the race from the 5th floor of an apartment along the channel. We bought wine, bread, cheese and oysters and made our way to the apartment. Well fortune smiled upon me once again - it was the most perfect place to see the boats (and stay out of the rain!!)
I felt like a child waiting for Santa Claus. As the first boat made it's way down the channel, skippered by Brenard Stamm who in 2008 broke his femur and was rescued by the Australian navy, my emotions took over. I was so excited but at the same time it was hard to hold back the tears wishing so much Jean-Luc could have been here. I had the same feeling the day before when we stopped at a lovely port along the coast. A sailboat was entering the harbour and I could only imagine how it would have been for Jean-Luc and I crossing the Atlantic ocean and arriving in a new port in a new country. I accepted these emotions and was able to enjoy the excitement of the day. We watched all 20 boats come down the channel, the crowds cheering as their favourites went by and then we raced down the coast to watch the boats jockey for position at the start. What an incredible event to witness. I understand it is even more impressive when three months later the boats cross the finish line. Maybe I will be able to get back to see this happen. Unfortunately two boats have already has to withdraw, one because it lost it's keel and the other was hit by a fishing trawler. Both skippers are safe.
I am back in Paris now. Going to catch up with friends from Whistler who are here taking an art course and then down to Lyon to see some more family and then to Eymet to get set up in my house for the winter!!!