For the next nine days, until the start on Sunday 7 June, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the event alongside the nine skippers entered in the race. As the first solo event in the qualification cycle for the 2028 Vendée Globe, the Vendée Arctique opens a new chapter in offshore racing with a unique challenge: reaching the Arctic Circle before returning to Les Sables d'Olonne on a course with complete routing freedom.
Nearly 70,000 visitors are expected throughout this week-long celebration on the Place du Vendée Globe in Les Sables d'Olonne.
Following the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, Alain Lebœuf led a tour of the village alongside partners, elected representatives and institutional stakeholders. From the tourism area and local business stands to the spaces dedicated to environmental initiatives, inclusion and maritime innovation, the visit highlighted the wide range of organisations involved in bringing the event to life.
Only a few hours after opening, the village was already bustling with visitors exploring the pontoons and entertainment areas surrounding the IMOCA fleet. The inauguration marks the beginning of a week during which Les Sables d'Olonne will once again live to the rhythm of offshore racing as the road towards the 2028 Vendée Globe begins to take shape.
A UNIQUE CHALLENGE TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
On 7 June, nine skippers, including three women and representing four nationalities, will set sail from Les Sables d'Olonne on a 3,500-nautical-mile course towards the Arctic Circle.
It will be a first in modern offshore racing history. No route will be imposed on the competitors. Instead, each skipper will be free to choose their own strategy and weather routing before crossing the Arctic Circle at the longitude of their choice and returning to Vendée.
After the Southern Ocean challenge of the Vendée Globe, the sailors will now head north towards Arctic waters, where weather systems and strategic decision-making are expected to play a decisive role.
"The Vendée Arctique shares the same DNA as the Vendée Globe: commitment, freedom and pushing beyond your limits. For the first time, the course is entirely open. No route is imposed and each skipper must make their own choices," said Alain Lebœuf.
A GREAT PUBLIC CELEBRATION CENTRED ON THE SEA
Beyond the official ceremony, the inauguration also set the tone for the event: a major public celebration centred around the sea. Visitors quickly filled the village while the skippers took part in meetings and exchanges with the public.
A relaxed and cheerful atmosphere has already taken hold on the pontoons and throughout the village. With just days to go before the start, the sailors are making the most of these first opportunities to meet visitors and share their stories. This close connection between skippers and the public remains one of the hallmarks of Vendée's major sailing events.
As Élodie Bonafous explains:
"The people of Vendée truly live offshore racing; it is deeply rooted in the local culture."
Visitors can access the pontoons free of charge, view the IMOCA yachts, watch the teams' final preparations and meet the skippers through a wide range of talks, activities and autograph sessions.
An exhibition by polar photographer Florian Ledoux, internationally recognised for his work on Arctic ecosystems, immerses visitors in the landscapes and wildlife of the Arctic. Alongside him, several scientific and environmental organisations, including IFREMER, the French Polar Institute (IPEV), Under The Pole and Plastic Odyssey, are offering talks, exhibitions and educational spaces designed to raise awareness of the challenges involved in protecting the oceans and polar regions.
The programme also includes concerts, DJ sets, immersive experiences, family activities, scientific talks and opportunities to discover the Vendée region. For nine days, sailing enthusiasts, local residents and visitors alike will be able to experience the race from the inside before the big start.
A COLLECTIVE EFFORT DRIVING THE EVENT
The official inauguration was also an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of all the partners, exhibitors, volunteers and teams involved in bringing the event to life.
Alongside the Vendée Department, title partner of the event, Sodebo, major partner, the City of Les Sables d'Olonne, premium partner, and all official partners and suppliers, a broad network of Vendée-based companies, tourism stakeholders, associations and scientific organisations is helping animate the race village.
During his visit, Alain Lebœuf highlighted the importance of tourism for the Vendée region.
"Tourism is a major cultural and economic activity. We estimate that tourism generates 33,000 jobs every year and contributes €2.5 billion to the local economy. The Vendée Arctique plays a full part in this momentum, extending the legacy and attractiveness created by the Vendée Globe."
The President also underlined the essential role played by local businesses:
"Without companies, we simply would not be able to organise events of this scale."
This collective commitment reflects the race's strong roots in the region and the growing place of the Vendée Arctique among the world's leading international offshore racing events.
