All 24 competitors in the Vendée Globe 2000 are at last able to countdown the hours to the start of the 4th edition of this non-stop, single-handed, around the world yacht race, after a four day postponement due to the severe weather conditions. The start is now confirmed for Thursday 9th November at 1611hrs (French time).

The fleet will be lead out of the Port of Olona by the local fishing boats from 1230hrs, a traditional passage from the channel out past the breakwater, and all competitors will be in the bay by 1500hrs.

The starting line for the fleet is now off the main stretch of beach, and the ten minute gun will be given at 1601hrs for a start at 1611hrs. The fleet will race an initial 3 mile leg upwind to the top marker buoy West of the start line, before turning directly towards Cap Finisterre (Spain).

Richard Silvani, from Météo France, announced for tomorrow a WNW 10 – 15 knot wind and clear skies for the start of the Vendée Globe, which will increase to between 10 – 20 knots from the North West over Thursday night.