Vendée Globe: Closing ceremony on 10 May - "Not an event, but a religion"

It will be the last big day of the 10th Vendée Globe before the new chapter begins. Many skippers have long been working on new projects and for the next edition in 2028, but they will now all come together once again in Les Sables-d'Olonne to officially close the latest chapter of the solo around the world with a parade, party and fireworks and to celebrate with the hosts and fans.

The magic of adventure Vendée Globe

The canal parade with the skippers starts at 6.30 pm on 10 May and is scheduled to last until 8 pm. Instead of on imocas, the sailors will be travelling together on boats specially prepared and decorated for the occasion. The organisers promise "a festive moment to applaud them, celebrate them and share the magic of this adventure with them".

An impressive show with 1000 drones and fireworks is planned for the evening from 10.30 pm, which will be fired from the end of the canal. For the best views, the Vendée Globe organisers recommend a spot on the waterfront. This is the first time that the organisers have celebrated the most famous solo race in the sailing world in this way.

Before The new and exciting season for Team Malizia Boris Herrmann will be there on 10 May, just like the other participants. Everyone knows: In the département of Vendée, the namesake of the Vendée Globe, the race around the world is far more than just a regatta. It is a question of pride, togetherness and, above all, emotion. Click here to take a look at the results of the participants' performances.

The Vendée Globe builds international bridges

In the words of the hosts: "This tenth edition, which is unprecedented in terms of the number of participants and media coverage, has brightened the winter of the locals, who have shared the excitement with the sailors and realised with pride that 'their' event now reaches far beyond the borders and brings together enthusiasts from all over the world."

Using a real-life example in which Boris Herrmann plays an important role, the Vendée Globe conductors describe how the adventurous race around the world has an impact everywhere:

"It was a classic business meeting, the kind he had about once a month, with a potential customer. "I really wanted to convince them to work with us". So Vincent, a 43-year-old sales employee in building construction and civil engineering, made his way to Frankfurt. It was early December, and the first talks were as cold as the weather.

Until the managing director of the potential client asked him where he lived. Vincent replied: "In a village near Les Sables d'Olonne, in the south of Brittany." He described it like this, "because foreigners generally know it better than the Vendée". The managing director replied: "Ah, that's incredible, I'm a big fan of Boris Herrmann!" Vincent remembers: "We We talked about the Vendée Globe for half an hour, it was crazy."

Vincent left the meeting that day with a signed contract. A lively exchange followed, with several emails a week to talk about the race. And Vincent's certainty: "The Vendée Globe is no longer just a sporting event, it has become a kind of magical asset for our region that opens many doors."

Living in harmony with the Vendée Globe

During the three months of the race, the people of the Vendée lived to the rhythm of the Vendée Globe. In bars, schools, retirement homes and supermarkets, the names Charlie Dalin, Yoann Richomm, Seb Simon, Violette Dorange, Boris Herrmann and Samantha Davies became so familiar that "they were part of everyday life," explains Marie Bernard, a shop owner in La Roche-sur-Yon.

The arrival of Sébastien Simon was also unforgettable for the people of Les Sables-d'Olonne. The Frenchman was the first local hero from Les Sables-d'Olonne to sail to third place on the podium. According to the Vendée Globe organisers, 23-year-old student Dimitri was there that evening and remembers: "It was as crazy as a football World Cup final, there was an incredible atmosphere, even though it was dark and we were freezing."

Dimitri continued: "We laughed a lot and shouted ourselves hoarse in the now famous 'Sébastien Simon corner'." The student comes from the countryside and had never set foot on a boat before. On this day, he realised for himself "that the Vendée Globe is not just an event here, but a religion".

One Vendee Globe chapter ends, a new one begins

They want to conjure up this spirit together once again in Les Sables-d'Olonne on 10 May, before their thoughts and plans focus entirely on the 11th Vendée Globe 2028.

Fancy a trip down memory lane before the closing ceremony? Click here for the big YACHT documentation of the Vendée Globe 2024/2025: