VendeeGlobe
Programs & Events 2008
Sailing Around the World in the 2008-2009 Vendee Globe Race: American Competitor Rich Wilson Pays Tribute to Veteran
The launch of the sailing race “Vendée Globe Challenge” took place last Sunday, November 9 in Les Sables d’Olonnes. The only American competitor, Rich Wilson displayed the American flag in tribute to the thousands of American soldiers who died in France. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the end of WWI, and skipper Rich Wilson used his departure to highlight French-American friendship and collaboration. The race around the globe will last for roughly three months, and the kick-off gathered 300,000 spectators. The event also served as an occasion for the American competitor, who is involved in several school programs, to meet with French fans and sign hundreds of autographs.