Vendee Globe update

VIPs take to the pontoons in Les Sables d'Olonne

Force 7 winds and 8m waves off Les Sables d’Olonne, froma low pressure system bound for southern Ireland struck Les Sables d’Olonne this morning. These gales will die down progressively over the next 36 hours but no boats have left Port-Olona today for testing or photo shoots.

Despite the conditions the official Vendée Globe village and pontoons have remained welcoming just as many visitors as before.

The Formula 1 racing driver from the MacLaren Mercedes Team, David Coulthard, will be present in Les Sables d'Olonne on Thursday 4 November. The Scotsman will visit Alex Thomson’s boat, Hugo Boss. At 1600GMT that day, Coulthard will be meeting a fellow speed demon, Alex Thomson, British record holder for the most distance covered singlehanded in 24 hours aboard a monohull.

Another VIP, Jean François Lamour, the French Minister of Youth and Sport will be in Les Sables d’Olonne today. He is expected on the Vendée Globe pontoons from 0930 GMT for a visit of the fleet of competing boats, accompanied by Race Director, Denis Horeau. The Minister is also a double Olympic fencing champion and will have lunch with some of the Vendee Globe competitors.

Benoît Parnaudeau competitor from La Rochelle sailing Max Havelaar/Charente-Maritime has today announced two new partners for his round the world adventure. These are Best Western and Protertia.