Peeking over the barriers with pen and notebook in hand, they are looking around the cockpits to try to catch a glance of their favourite skipper and get an autograph. It’s clear that for children the boats are the main attraction in the Village, but there is plenty to see too on the stands set up alongside the docks.
The first port of call is on the quai de la Réunion, where two small masts and their twin winch handles have been set up to enable kids to hoist the sails and hit the bell. "It’s like pedalling a bike, but using your hands," explained one of the Village volunteers. One after another, brothers and sisters take it in turn, getting in some training for the next stage, as just a short distance away, the lighthouse flag is flying, indicating the place for their first sailing trip.