e Solitaire du Figaro - Eric Bompard Cachemire . It was also the occasion to inaugurate the event "Bordeaux fête le fleuve". Alain Juppé, Mayor of Bordeaux, Eric Bompard, President of Eric Bompard Cachemire and Pierre Bojic, General Manager of Pen Duick kicked off a week of festivities. " The first edition was a great success, the people of Bordeaux loved it. I think that this year again we will attract a lot of people, nearly 500 000 visitors. The skippers have been adopted by the people of Bordeaux. Their kindness, their availability and their professionalism were very much appreciated. It is a magnificent setting to leave" said Alain Juppé.
"Parade of Heroes" for a grand arrival
Bordeaux hosted the start of the Solitaire du Figaro in 2013 and will once again host the regatta in 2015. It is at nightfall that the 40 solo sailors, engaged in the race, whose start will take place on May 30, made their masterly entrance into the Port of the Moon. Accompanying the skippers, the Belem took part in this parade of heroes, celebrated by a fireworks show. The sailors joined the pontoon of honor under the cheers of the 50,000 spectators who came for the occasion. " This arrival in Bordeaux is impressive, it shows that we are in a great city that loves the sea, that loves its river and that loves sailing. There are many people, it is very popular and very nice. It's the kick-off to a great week of festivities. We will try to take advantage of it." explains Jeremie Beyou, skipper of Maitre-Coq and three-time winner of the Solitaire du Figaro.
Festivities and races on the river
On Saturday, May 23, the village opened its doors for the first day as the skippers gathered for the welcome briefing. In the afternoon, the first Figaro sailors competed in the inaugural exhibition run of the week. This run, having no incidence on the ranking, has consecrated Thierry Chabagny (Gedimat). The skippers will do the show every day until Friday and the final of these runs.
For a week, the festivities in the village of the Solitaire du Figaro and Bordeaux fête le fleuve, will be on the program, having already started this weekend. This Sunday, May 24, at 5 pm, the skippers met on the big stage of the Girondins prairie for the presentation to the public. On Friday, May 29, the French Olympic Sailing Team will join Bordeaux for a presentation and demonstrations on the river.
On Saturday, May 30, at 5:45 pm, the skippers will bid farewell to Bordeaux, during the Eric Bompard Cachemire prologue.
Credits : A.COURCOUX
