The start for the third and final stage was set for noon. The 32 skippers of the 53rd Solitaire du Figaro set off on time from Royan on Sunday 4 September for the last leg of this prestigious sailing race. This stage will take them from Royan to Saint-Nazaire via the entrance to the Bassin d’Arcachon and the Farallones Islands in Galicia. The first boats are expected Thursday, September 8 in the morning in Loire-Atlantique.
“Magical”
Many curious people made the trip so as not to miss the show. Bertie, who lives near Royan and also sails, particularly appreciated being able to watch the start in Royan: “It’s nice, we always have to go to Les Sables or Brittany to see such shows, and it was at home and it’s very cool!”.
Jean-Louis and Martine live not far from Grenoble. They came on vacation to the department. “That’s wonderful”says Jean-Louis who does not hide his emotion in the face of this spectacle of sailboats soaring into the sea in front of him. “It’s the first time, I hadn’t seen that, I find it very beautiful, it’s magic!”, continues Martin.
Royan is already campaigning to host La Solitaire again
“It was an enchanting period for the department, the territory and of course, the city of Royan”welcomes the mayor, Patrick Marengo, happy to have hosted for the first time a leg of the prestigious sailing race. “It was a real pleasure, a burst of energy to see these young people go after their dream”he launches, filled in the face of “extraordinary crowd” that the event triggered. And to ensure: “The goal is to be on the shortlist of host cities for the Solitaire du Figaro!”.