Don’t miss this!
The closing parade of the giant catamarans
on March 31st in and around the Old Port in Marseilles. A unique opportunity to
admire the "Three Sisters" sailing together and to share an
unforgettable moment with the crews and the crowds of fans.
Marseilles is famous for its lively atmosphere and sense of occasion.
The city welcomed Club Med, Innovation Explorer and Team
Adventure in high style when they finished, and is now preparing a
final grand tribute to the challengers that claimed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in
The Race.
There will be fanfares, barbecues and a sailing display in the Old Port and in the
harbour in front of the city. The first three catamarans to finish The Race (over
300 ft long, end-to-end!) will be escorted by a myriad of private yachts from all
over the region.
The whole city is involved in this immense popular celebration. The shop-keepers
of the city centre, the cafés of the Old Port, fisherman and football fans, schools
and sailing clubs, all will take part in this lively salute to the challengers. Many of
the people who have worked towards making The Race happen over these past
few months will also take part in the celebrations – the organisers, the race
committee, partners and suppliers, the giant catamarans’ hotline staff and, of
course, all of us here at the official website!
It’s not too late to join in – by train, by plane, by car or by boat. Come and be part
of this special day.
Programme
Saturday, March 31st
In the Old Port – 11.30 am – 3.30 pm (local time)
11.30 am – The dance begins!
Four groups of musicians invite you to follow them from the ‘Préfecture’ building
along the Canebière boulevard to the Old Port. ‘Banda’, a group of 40 musicians
from Genoa; the naval band from Toulon; a group of Samba musicians and
dancers; and a group of musicians from the Languedoc region of southern France.
A musical parade to whet the crowd’s appetites, served up by 133 artistes who will
lead you down to the quai des Belges, while the Mayor presents the crews who
sailed aboard the three giant catamarans with a gift by which to remember their
stay in the city of Marseilles.
1.00 pm – The festivities officially begin, with a giant traditional fish barbecue.
Feeling peckish? The fishermen of Marseilles have thought of everything. No less
than three tons of grilled sardines are waiting for you, in the waterfront cafés and
on specially laid out tables on the quai des Belges.
2.30-3.30 pm – The crews will make a public appearance before parading their
giant catamarans through the Old Port between the ancient fortresses of the Tour
Saint Jean and fort St Nicolas.
4.00-5.30/6.00 pm – Sailing display off the beaches of Prado.
The giant cats will parade, accompanied by a host of private yachts, within view
of the beaches of Prado.
See you in Marseilles, and have a good time!
Translation by LMQV
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