IV) An Inclusive, Accessible and Supportive Event
Encouraging the Development of Women’s Sport
In a sport where women and men compete on equal terms, we are committed to providing young girls with inspiring role models and helping drive greater diversity throughout sailing.
For Vendée Arctique, where women represent one-third of the fleet — a record level for an event organised by SAEM Vendée — visitors will be able to discover these sailors and their stories through two key highlights:
- “Women Offshore” evening on 2 June, featuring a screening of Violette d’Orange’s Vendée Globe 2024 documentary Becoming, followed by discussions with female skippers involved with the Alice Milliat Foundation.
- Presence of the Alice Milliat Foundation within the village on 5, 6 and 7 June.
Alice Milliat Foundation : Founded in 2015, the Alice Milliat Foundation works to promote equality in and through sport. It advocates greater visibility and media coverage for women’s sport, increased female representation across all sports professions and leadership positions, and equal and safe access to sporting participation.
The foundation continues the legacy of Alice Milliat, a pioneer of women’s sport, by helping transform attitudes and structures for the long term.
Alice Milliat Foundation website
Reaching All Audiences
Making our village more accessible and comfortable for as many people as possible is one of our priorities ahead of the next Vendée Globe. Vendée Arctique already provides an opportunity to implement several initiatives.
In particular, on Monday 1 June, we will open access to the village and IMOCA pontoons ahead of the general public for a group of people living with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities. These visitors, whose disabilities are often little visible or entirely invisible, will benefit from a quieter and more comfortable environment in which to discover the Vendée Arctique fleet, away from the crowds and noise that can often create stress and act as barriers to attending sporting events.
Welcoming School Groups
Throughout the village period, we will welcome more than ten primary and secondary school classes, as well as several youth activity centres. Activities will include discovering the IMOCA fleet, learning about Arctic and ocean-related issues and discussions around disability awareness on the Café Joyeux stand.
Solidarity Day
The IMOCA class has a long tradition of social engagement. On 31 May, all participating teams wishing to do so will be invited to showcase their commitments through a series of dedicated activities:
- 11h – 12h : Media session at the Media Centre. Association/skipper partnerships will meet with journalists to discuss their commitments and initiatives.
- 13h – 17h : Team and association presentations on the main stage.
- 14h – 18h : Charity sale in support of the SNSM
As part of Solidarity Day, a sale of collector’s items linked to the Vendée Globe, Vendée Arctique and New York Vendée will take place within the village, with proceeds benefiting the SNSM.
Official books, memorabilia and other exclusive items will be available during this fundraising event dedicated to offshore racing enthusiasts. A detailed programme of presentations, participating teams and partner associations will be published in a future press release.
