It took a good two hours for Alain Leboeuf, the president of the Vendée departmental council and boss of the Vendée Globe to present the ten commitments responsible for “
giving an additional dimension to the heroes' world tour
” and “
raising awareness
” about the protection of the environment, and especially the oceans.
Ten measures grouped under four areas of work: “
anticipate, reduce, inspire, build a positive legacy
”.
And the most spectacular consists of the creation of a Vendée Globe foundation responsible for ensuring the financing of scientific research work on the oceans, under the coordination of UNESCO.
Main oceans targeted: those of the deep southern seas (Indian and Pacific), which hardly see any passing boats, apart from round-the-world skippers.
Some sailors, like Fabrice Amedeo and Boris Herrmann, are already carrying small weather stations and instruments capable of analyzing water quality, biodiversity and the presence of micro plastics.
If it will be strongly recommended to those who do not yet have one to embark on one during the 10th edition (departure on November 10 from Sables d'Olonne), these devices responsible
for "improving the understanding of the climate and judging the state of the oceans
” will be mandatory in 2028.
An 11th edition which will also mark the ban on fossil fuels, and therefore on diesel fuel used to operate current thermal engines which are used to recharge batteries or in the event of a safety problem.
“
Even if the quantity on board is small (200 liters) per boat, it will be a strong symbol
”, estimates Alain Leboeuf who also announced more land-based measures to reduce the carbon impact of the event and the movement of hundreds of thousands spectators (60% of the total).
TER ticket at 5 euros, expanded TGV offer, disappearance of plastic bottles in the village, sorting and recycling... "
Nothing is left to chance
", specifies the president, who also announced a more educational component responsible for raising awareness among the general population. public following the Vendée Globe on the preservation of the oceans.
“
When we go to these seas, there must be a benefit for the people who follow us
,” confirms Paul Meilhat, skipper of the Biotherm boat, very active in the environmental field.
With this certain change of direction, also marked by the creation of zones prohibited for navigation to try to limit collisions with large marine mammals, the organizers of the Vendée Globe want, wisely, to use the popularity of their event and navigators to raise awareness among landlubbers who follow their exploits at sea. Nothing could be more logical, even if it will imply new constraints for sailors, the first witnesses of global warming and the deterioration of the health of the oceans.
“
The first motivation in the Vendée Globe is sport, we are competitors, but it is also a great opportunity, and a huge motivation in addition, to help preserve the oceans.
This gives meaning to our projects
,” said Boris Herrmann, fifth in the last edition.
Before the long list of environmental commitments, Alain Leboeuf presented, this Tuesday in the large UNESCO amphitheater, the 44 sailors and navigators (six) who are applying for one of the 40 places planned on the starting line.
With 18 rookies and 11 nationalities represented (including China, Japan and New Zealand), the Vendée Globe confirms its great vitality and incredible appeal.
A perfect sounding board to help save the planet and its oceans.