Par Franck Hermel
Published on 7 Jul 23 at 15:41 See my news Follow Le Journal des Sables Alain Leboeuf and Yannick Moreau are expecting a lot from this New York Vendée Les Sables-d’Olonne. ©Journal des Sables
From the Statue of Liberty to La Chaume, the historic district of Les Sables-d’Olonne, there is only one ocean to cross. Enough to race, ideal to prepare for the Vendée Globe 2024.
It is in this spirit that the second edition of the New York Vendée Les Sables-d’Olonne will see the light of day. Leaving May 25, 2024.
What is this race?
It’s all in the title: it’s a transatlantic race linking the Big Apple to the cradle of the Vendée Globe. This is a sailing race reserved for 60-footers, solo and non-stop. All the spirit of the Vendée Globe, then. It is also the Everest des Mers organizing company, Saem Vendée, which is taking over this race on its own. The first edition took place in 2016 and brought together 16 skippers.
The second edition, in 2020, could not take place due to the Covid pandemic and had been replaced by the Arctic Vendée, which Saem also organizes.
The Saem Vendée therefore takes charge of a set of three benchmark single-handed races: Vendée Globe, Vendée Arctic and New York Vendée Les Sables-d’Olonne.
What interest for skippers?
This will be the last transatlantic allowing qualification for the Vendée Globe 2024. To take the start, the skippers must indeed take part in a race before the end of 2024 and another in 2024. It is necessary to finish one in a time equivalent to that of the winner + 50%. However, the qualifying races are not legion in 2024. Moreover, the other race of its kind is the CIC transatlantic race starting from Lorient for … New York. And it will take place just before the Vendée race.
In addition, skippers must have logged a certain number of nautical miles to qualify. On the New York Vendée Les Sables, 3200 nautical miles long, each mile will be worth one and a half. Precious for latecomers!
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It is also at the end of the New York Vendée Les Sables that the final line-up for the Vendée Globe, limited to 40 skippers, will be announced. For the time being, 33 candidates have presented themselves to date. 25 of them have validated their first race.
Finally, the New York Vendée taking place just a few months before the Vendée Globe, skippers will see a great opportunity to test their boats and refine their preparation. It will be a good gauge. The first edition was won by Jérémie Beyou in 9 days and 16 hours. It would be surprising if this reference time were not beaten.
Jérémie Beyou won the first edition in 2016 ©Bernard Gergaud
What interest for the Vendée?
For everyone, this race will be a vast dress rehearsal before the Vendée Globe. “We are going to test and confirm our processes”, summarizes race director Hubert Lemonnier. But the interest is also elsewhere.
“We want to continue to internationalize the Vendée Globe”, launched Alain Lebœuf, president of the Departmental Council of Vendée and Sem Vendée during the presentation of the race. To seduce the American public, the “Liberty Race”, an exhibition race in Manhattan Bay, will be organized a few days before the start.
The economic interest is far from being hidden. The desire to promote exchanges between Vendée, Loire and American companies is clearly claimed.
“The Vendée flag will fly over New York. »
Alain Leboeuf, President of the Vendée General Council
Alain Leboeuf also evokes an environmental aspect without developing the subject for the moment. However, he is committed to an “exemplary” race in this regard, particularly with regard to the start which will be given in an area very frequented by cetaceans.
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What interest for Les Sables-d’Olonne?
There too, a big general rehearsal is announced. But Mayor Yannick Moreau also evokes a “great popular celebration. The Vendée Globe pontoon will not have time to cool down. »
And for good reason. The race will start on May 29 from New York and the first arrivals are expected around June 6. Two days after the passage of the Olympic flame!
There is also a village and the prize-giving ceremony on June 9. Enough to feed the Sablais policy of pre-season events.
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2023-07-07 13:41:00
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