Although billed as the end of the 500 years celebrations of Le Havre, this is an event that occurs every two years, so on its own, a regular event. The Transat Jacques Vabre is a sailboat race from Le Havre non-stop to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. Created in 1993 (in those days it went from Le Havre to Cartagena, Colombia), the race honours the sailors who went between South America and Le Havre to bring coffee to Europe. In the beginning the race was meant for solitaire racers, i.e. on their own, but that was changed in 1995 to double crews.
The race consists of 4 different class sailboats, and from 28 October to 5 November all the boats can be admired up close (and for free). On the 5th of November the sailboats start their long and dangerous journey towards Brazil.
The boats and the entertainment village can be found next to the “Docks” shopping centre
The sailboats are moored to a quai in a basin, which allows you to see the details of the all the sailboats. However, often several boats go out to test changes they made or to exercise the crews.
All over the harbour you will see many TV camera crews interview the racers. The event is quite popular, not only in France, so expect a lot of media presence.
You’ll notice that sailboats are never ready-to-race. Crew members are always busy repairing, touching up, changing, cleaning, etc. They are hives of activity.
The entertainment village itself has many stands and tents, but obviously the most popular one is the main sponsor, Jacques Vabre coffee. And to make it more popular, they are serving free coffee.
By far to most imposing of the 4 classes are the ULTIM category of sailboats; these 32 meter long trimarans are very fast and can turn on a dime.
You can see that there is not much room on these big sailboats.Small and cramped while navigating through the Atlantic during autumn… not for everyone.
You can visit (for free) one of the sailboats. To make it easier to view, the sailboat has been hoisted onto the land, so you’ll not get seasick. But expect a long wait before you can get on.
There are several vintage sailboats moored in the same area as well. They are there just for information/entertainment purposes.
A big portion of the “real-estate” is used for the “entertainment village”. All sorts of stands/tents, some giving you information, some selling you wares & food.
You can even eat fresh oysters from Normandy.
On regular intervals you will find entertainment, from acrobats, to music bands, to clowns (not the scary ones). At night there’s fireworks, and at the adjacent theatre (Magic Mirrors), popular bands give concerts.
You have until the morning of the 5th of November to visit the area. Entrance is free. If you take the ferry from the UK, it’s about 500 meters walk from the ferry terminal to the docks.
Related Posts
- 68
To celebrate the 500 years anniversary of Le Havre, the Tall Ships Regatta race will finish in Le Havre this year. The race starts in the United Kingdom mid-April, and via Portugal, Caribbean, Boston and Canada, will end in the French harbour city on August the 31st. All these enormous… - 68
2017 is a very special year for the harbour city of Le Havre in Normandy. 500 years earlier, the French King Francois I ordered a city and its associated harbour to be built at the mouth of the Seine river. It took a legion of Dutch engineers to dry out… - 66
A taste of what will be happening on the 3rd of September. For the 500 years celebration of the city of Le Havre, some 50 tall ships will be gathering starting on the 31st of August. On the 3rd of September, Sunday, all of them will be leaving the harbour,… - 65
This statue was taken in the city I'll be writing about next. It's next to an enormous religious building (a building that's worth a detour to see). Anyone recognise it? You known where this was taken??? - 64
I'm visiting this city for the next 2 days, hoping to bring you many photos and visit ideas. Can you tell from the photo which city I am in. It's easy...I think (guesses can be left in the comment box below).