At The Races with Fred Olsen!

So as you know I have just returned from a very enjoyable mini cruise on the Braemar to France, and as part of the trip, we were treated to a day at the 83rd Le Mans 24Hr Endurance Race.  Now I have to say, I’m not known as, I think the term is,  a ‘petrol head’ , and when the Grand Prix comes on the TV I dive for the remote to change channels!.  All that noise and going round and round a track isn’t really my scene.

However, a bit like my misconceptions regarding Fred Olsen, I have completely changed my mind!  (After all, it is a woman’s prerogative!).

What an exciting, adrenalin filled day!  Lots of fit looking racing drivers in their sexy fast and furious cars, driving at speeds of up to 200mph!  In a race created to test man and machine over a period of 24hours non stop! One of the top sporting events in the world, attended by over 250,000 people!  What have I been depriving myself of all these years?!

I have to give credit firstly to our magnificent, well informed Tour Guide John Huvaere, who had the foresight to notice that we girls didnt have a clue what to expect, and very thoughtfully produced a short film about the history of Le Mans, which he played during our journey.  (As the trip was over 3 hours long, it was a very welcome distraction) and so interesting!  By the time we reached the racetrack we were all buzzing with anticipation and excitement and very much looking forward to seeing the race unfold, having a clear understanding of just what an endurance test it is!

Our Tour Guide, John Huvaere

The place is huge! with stalls selling merchandise, all types of food, and drinks including a Champagne Bar!  Lots of display tents, a Village, Fun Fair! Concerts!  Its noisy, crowded, and on the day we were there, hot!  Alot of the seasoned ‘petrol heads’ camp at Le Mans for the weekend.  Which is a brilliant idea!  You have all your home comforts around you and are within spitting distance of all the action.

A few of us found a viewing spot and settled down to watch the start of the race.  The thrill of seeing all the contestants race through the iconic Dunlop Tyre, one by one, engines roaring, lights flashing, sent us girls giddy with excitement!  We were due to be picked up at 7pm, so it was a long, but extremely enjoyable day.  Highly recommended!

Check out my ‘School Lunch Bag’

As this was Fred Olsen’s first outing to Le Mans there were a few things that could perhaps be improved.  Firstly you definitely need to have a Grandstand ticket.  We didn’t, and had to sit out in the searing heat with thousands of other spectators, which was a bit uncomfortable after awhile.

Me, Trackside with Dunlop Bridge in the background

Also we were all provided with a packed lunch, which we had to line up for on the ship, and after being ticked off the ‘register’  were given our little bag of goodies. This took me back to my childhood days when we were taken  on a coach trip to the Science Museum in London armed with our packed lunch, which consisted of a rather sad looking ‘club sandwich’ piece of fruit, water and a chocolate bar.  Roll forward a good few years and here was the same lunch!  Come on Fred!  a bit of a poor offering!  Especially when you consider that you leave the ship just after breakfast, and don’t return until 11pm in the evening, thereby missing the evening meal.  Ok, so we’re not kids anymore and had the opportunity to buy food at the venue, but even so……

The Grandstand

A Porsche – Half Car, Half Lego!

All in all I had a fantastic day – a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of one of the best sporting events , and despite a few discomforts, wouldn’t have missed it for the world.  Thoroughly recommended!     Although it is worth mentioning that if you choose to take the Le Mans excursion, you do miss out on the Formal night. (Fred’s take note……….)

Next time:  On the road to Rouen – the most medieval Medieval Town I have ever seen!

#fredolsen

#LeMans24