'I don't care about the race or proving that I am better than my neighbour' declares Ireland's first ever entrant into the world's toughest yacht race, the Vendee Globe.
The declaration is made by Enda O'Coineen (60) who will take on the solo non stop race round the world next month. The Galway Bay debutante continues his billboard statement with the following intent: 'sure I want to go quick but for me to finish would mean fulfilling a lifelong ambition to complete a non–stop lap of our planet. The fact that I would be thev first Irish person to do it would make it all the more special. Representing Ireland and promoting ocean and adventure in Ireland is an honour'.
The Vendée Globe Village officially opened in Les Sables d'Olonne on Saturday and O'Coineen's Irish tricolour was flying proudly among the fleet of 28 IMOCA 60 entries.
The public could hardly wait for the official opening of the Vendée Globe Village on Saturday morning. The ceremony marked the start of three weeks of festivities in Les Sables-d'Olonne. At 10 a.m. Yves Auvinet, President of the SAEM Vendée, Bruno Retailleau, President of the Pays de La Loire Region, Didier Gallot, Mayor of Les Sables d'Olonne and Pascal Cadorel, head of communications for Sodebo, led a procession of guests and visitors through the Village, that has been set up for this eighth Vendée Globe and which stretches out over a total surface area of more than 2500 m2 in Port Olona. The official visit ended with a meeting with all of the competitors present aboard their boats.
During the presentation, the dignitaries and elected councillors passed through the exhibition aisle on quai Lagravière, before entering the Vendée big top, where an impressive exhibition of technologies and interactive applications is on display. This exhibition tells you all you need to know about the boats, the skippers and their preparation. In particular, you can see the boat sailed by Dee Caffari in the 2008 Vendée Globe, the former Aviva, a gallery of portraits of the skippers and a 240° projection area. Their stroll also allowed them to discover the tourist office, the restaurant areas, the partners' area and for the first time in this year's event, the Mixed Zone, where it is possible to visit Yves Parlier's old IMOCA and to see an area dedicated to those, who have left their mark on the Vendée Globe. The group then headed for the Vendée Globe pontoon, in order to meet the sailors. During his speech, President Yves Auvinet reminded everyone how important the Vendée Globe is in the identity of this French department and for local people. “The race belongs to the people of Vendée and all the technical means possible have been put in place to publicise the Vendée Globe around the world.”
The skippers are presented to the first visitors
In spite of the rain, the delegation was able to speak to each of the skippers present aboard their boats, with the Race Director, Jacques Caraës making the introductions. This was an opportunity for the sailors to give their first impressions, before getting together for the traditional family photo. This morning's visit concluded with a few more speeches, including one from Bruno Retailleau, for whom “the spirit and values of the Vendée Globe are an example to the sporting world. Where there's a will, there's a way.” Didier Gallot was pleased about “the huge fame that the Vendée Globe has brought to the town of Les Sables-d'Olonne.” Pascal Cadorel reminded everyone that “Sodebo has been the patron of the Vendée Globe since 2004. It's a popular event that we experience together within the company and outside and we share it with our public.” In conclusion, Yves Auvinet wanted to reassure everyone about the safety measures taken to protect visitors. “We have been working on this for months with the government services and the Vendée authorities. Every measure has been taken to allow the public to make the most of this event.”
Quotes :
Alex Thomson - GB (HUGO BOSS):
“For me, 30% of the competitors in this eighth Vendée Globe have what it takes to make it to the podium.”
Rich Wilson - USA (Great American IV):
“We need to make the most of the support from the public here in Les Sables d'Olonne. I can remember the first time I took part back in 2008. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming towards me and my team.”
Didac Costa - SPA (One Planet One Ocean):
“After being struck by lightning during the delivery trip, these final three weeks have become a huge challenge to make sure I'm ready on time.”
Conrad Colman - NZ (100% Natural Energy):
“My boat knows her way around. I'm sure she'll bring me back to Les Sables d'Olonne. There may be more older generation boats than new ones crossing the finish…”
Kojiro Shiraishi - JPN (Spirit of Yukoh):
“I really want to make sailing more popular in Japan and I don't want to be the last Japanese sailor to compete in the Vendée Globe.”
Paul Meilhat - FRA (SMA):
“The incidents we experienced last winter allowed me to become more mature and today, I'm really pleased to be here.”
Alan Roura - SUI (La Fabrique):
“I didn't have much time to prepare for the Vendée Globe, so I'm still in the preparation phase. I haven't yet grasped that I'm in Les Sables and about to set off around the world alone.”
Bertrand de Broc - FRA (MACSF):
“The boat is ready, but it is the sailor that is the most important thing, and he too is beginning to feel ready too.”
