Press release n°4
St Gilles Croix de Vie, 13th May 2010
Vendée – St-Petersburg
The event off to a good start
The nine multihulls taking part in the first edition of the
Vendée - St-Petersburg have all been moored up at the
quayside by the race village since last Sunday. On board,
they are busy working on the final details to ensure that the
men and their machines are in the best of shape for the start
on Sunday 16th May. Meanwhile, the crowds are turning up
to visit the village. Before this long Ascension Day holiday
weekend, it is thought that 20,000 people had already come
here to get a taste of the sea air.
The long Ascension Day holiday weekend should see a huge
increase in the number of people passing through the Vendée
– St. Petersburg village. This influx coincides with the build-up
of tension on board the boats, as we draw near to the day of
the start. This is the first time this course has been raced and
for some, it is also their first major event aboard a Multi50.
The success of the Vendée St-Petersburg may also be an
opportunity for the class to take a giant leap forward before
the Route du Rhum, the second major event on the calendar.
We can be sure that sailed by crews of 3, the multihulls will
show their full potential. We can look forward to seeing some
record speeds, revealing the amazing potential of these 50-
foot multihulls.
Another record to fall?
Another record that looks like being beaten is the number of visitors passing through the village.
12,000 people during the first weekend, more than 2500 per day from Monday to Wednesday and
many more expected during this long holiday weekend.
Already we can reveal some of the special arrangements for the days ahead: sailors, designers and
experts will be present on the stage, the start will be broadcast live. There will be some games for
youngsters, areas dedicated to Russia, displays informing people about the race. All of these
elements should contribute to ensuring that the Vendée St-Petersburg will become a popular event
from this very first edition.
Reminder
- Number taking part: 9 crews, FY Escoffier, Y Le Blévec, E Le Roux, H Cléris, A Caseneuve, L
Roucayrol, P Laperche, E Hochédé and L Féquet.
- Race with a crew of three, with the possibility to change crews in St-Petersburg.
- Start on 16th May 2010 from Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie: boats expected in St-Petersburg around 22nd
to 24th May 2010.
- Start from St-Petersburg on 31st May 2010: boats expected back in Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie around
5th to 7th June 2010.
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