Yachting Art Magazine

On Tuesday 24 June, Boulogne-sur-Mer launched a brand new event with the opening of the Course des Caps village – Boulogne-sur-Mer – Banque Populaire du Nord. At 10 a.m., the quays along the harbour welcomed the first visitors to a festive setting that will remain in place for thirteen days. Alongside Mayor Frédéric Cuvillier were Christophe Sirugue, Managing Director of Nausicaa, and Laurence Prouvot, Regional Councillor for Hauts-de-France. Organiser Gwen Chapalain set the tone for an event focused on the sea and encounters, ahead of the start of the Tour des Iles Brotanniques in Imoca.

The village, covering an area of 20,000 m², offers an accessible and varied programme, with the 60-foot monohulls of the IMOCA circuit as a backdrop. These yachts, which arrived the day before, aroused the curiosity of the public, who were invited to stroll among the stands, handle models and try their hand at navigation simulators. La Trinquette, a pop-up bar with a sea view, immediately found its audience, becoming a meeting point for visitors.

The first day was marked by a steady stream of visitors. Walkers, families and enthusiasts flocked to the quays, enjoying conversations with the sailing teams. At 3pm, members of MACIF Santé Prévoyance – Association Petits Princes – Quéguiner took part in interviews and autograph sessions in a direct and accessible format. Later in the evening, a programme was screened on a giant screen, followed by an open-air concert.

Until 6 July, the village will offer a continuous programme of entertainment: sporting challenges, concerts, workshops, meetings with skippers and conferences. Each day has a different programme. On Wednesday 25 June, disabled sailing activities were planned, accompanied by a scientific conference organised with the Nausicaa innovation laboratory. Concerts are held every evening, complemented by convivial events such as a tea dance.

Friday 27 June will feature the Défi Pom'Potes, a speed race that will start at 2pm after the boats set sail. The prize-giving ceremony will take place at the end of the day, followed by a concert and a themed evening. On Saturday, the public will be able to board semi-rigid boats for trips around the IMOCAs. The afternoon will feature interviews and a conference on rope making. In the evening, a Disco Night Fever party will take over.

On Sunday 29 June, the official start of the race, the morning will begin with the opening of the pontoons and the presentation of the crews. At 1 p.m., the start will be broadcast live on France 3. The day will continue with a music festival, followed by an electronic dance party. On the following days, the village will remain open in the evening with broadcasts of race news. Entertainment will be suspended during the week, but concerts will resume every weekend.

The event will close on Sunday 6 July with an awards ceremony on the main stage and a final concert in the evening.

This first edition makes Boulogne-sur-Mer a new stopover on the IMOCA circuit. The port thus becomes the start and finish point for a qualifying race for the Vendée Globe. The stakes go beyond the competition: the aim is to create a link between the maritime world and the general public. The event focuses on proximity, making exchanges between sailors and visitors simple and informal.

Beyond the pontoons, the city aims to enhance its appeal by promoting its coastal identity. The creation of the village and the hosting of the race are part of a broader strategy to promote the seafront, combining cultural initiatives and sporting activities. The event brings together residents, curious visitors, tourists and professionals in a single space that is open to all generations.

Boulogne-sur-Mer can be discovered through a programme that combines nautical experiences and festive moments, without ostentation. It is an invitation to experience the sea in a different way, at the pace of an event where the whole town is in tune with the ocean.