In 2013, at 65, Gilles Le Baud takes the start of the Solitaire du Figaro. At this age, this may come as a surprise. But this is not the competitor's first experience. Indeed, this sailor has already won the event twice: in 1973 and 1978!
In his book "Je ne danse que sur les vagues" (I dance only on the waves), he retraces his investment to be at the height of the other riders. It tells the trainings, the physical difficulties, the learning of new technologies present on board, the initiation of navigation in Figaro 2... But besides this beautiful history, it is especially the memories which go back and which make it possible to retrace anecdotes of this splendid race 40 years earlier.
The story shows the gap that exists between the sailors 40 years earlier, informed amateurs rather than real sportsmen, loving navigation as much as the evenings on land. These returns to the past throughout the book present us with a side of ocean racing that has disappeared in favour of real top-level athletes who position competition above all else.
This book also gives a vision of how these runners navigate in search of performance. With the obligation to know the sail settings as well as those of the pilot, to be at the same time sailor, meteorologist and navigator.
The book is not just the story of the sailor Gilles Le Baud on the Figaro 2013, it is also a vision of this Solitaire du Figaro, the ultimate test, an obligatory passage for sailors competing in ocean racing.
I only dance with waves - Gilles Le Baud
- Editions Glénat
- 14 x 22.5 cm
- 264 pages
- 19,99 €
Available on order by clicking here
