Strict health measures but magical nonetheless

Some 1.5-million visitors came along to the Vendée Globe village four years ago, shattering previous records for attendance and consolidating the race’s position as a first rank event for pulling in the crowds and the media. For this year’s 9th edition, which is taking place within the context of a health crisis of exceptional magnitude, there are sure to be fewer visitors. That said, all the event’s protagonists have managed to keep a race village open to the public. Everyone, including the 33 competitors, have managed to adapt to the circumstances in line with the latest health guidelines. “Obviously, when I pictured this three-week pre-start phase, there were crowds of people, problems getting from A to B on a scooter and the town’s restaurants packed to gills, just like the pontoon in Port Olona. However, it’s really fantastic that the 30,000m² space that makes up the village and the wealth of entertainment on offer have still been able to be organised and that the general public can come along to discover our boats and meet us in line with the usual restrictions”, comments Giancarlo Pedote, who is naturally delighted with the very strict protocol proposed by the State’s authorities and the organisers, which includes e-ticketing and tight control of comings and goings, the compulsory wearing of masks for everyone upward of 11 years of age, the respecting of the barrier gestures and the availability of hand-sanitising gel, the ventilation of enclosed spaces, as well as the respecting of the direction of movement in areas outside the Village, the pontoons and any covered spaces. “All of this is perfectly legitimate and takes nothing away from the race. It is still magical nonetheless”, assures the skipper of the 60-foot IMOCA in the colours of Prysmian Group who, like all his team, are adhering to all these measures to the letter.