Media Statistics

Promoting a single-handed race around the world through the media seemed to be so difficult that this kind of adventure would remain confidential. The true moments of life on board during a race could not be retransmitted and thus were left at the imagination of those who had stayed on shore.

Modern technologies, such as transmission of the sound, then photographs, then video images by satellite revolutionized this world. Sailors had to be trained to these new techniques of communication: video footage, pre-assembly on computer, monologue in front of the web cam, and sending images by satellites. Now, the media receive live images from the boats, and many skippers have answered the questions of the presenters of the television Live-News from everywhere around the world.

Some feared that too many images or information might demystify the adventure by suppressing its imaginative side. On the contrary, it made it even bigger. Images of skippers giving away their happiness, fears, and emotions were so stunning that they immediately gave another dimension to the Vendée Globe race.

The skippers understood well that it was not necessary to be first of the Vendée Globe to be exposed in the media. The “good communicators" have been better media promoted.
This new era of communication gave another dimension to the Vendée Globe race. The shore team became more professionalized hiring press-attachés, communication managers...

Yachting has now the mediums to compete with sports more appealing for the media, such as football, Formula 1… a three-hour live-broadcast on France 3 for the departure, the live arrivals of Michel Desjoyeaux and Ellen MacArthur in primetime News on two television channels (TF1, France 2).

Technology means are more efficient day after day. In the Vendée Globe 2004, the transmission of images will be even easier and of a better quality.

The very complex service of collecting, analysing and distributing information to the three media channels (press, radio, television) is absolutely free, without partnership nor exclusivity. This philosophy explains why all media are covering the Vendée Globe race.

The following study shows the diversity of channels and the panel of audience they thus hit.

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