You have been at the helm of the new Initiative C?ur boat equipped with foils since 2017, what is your year's results?
It was nice to learn with Tanguy . From the very first sailings, we saw many possible modifications, but we did nothing last year. A lot of work was done last winter to modify and install a rake system for the foils. These are small foils compared to the 2016 boats and even smaller compared to PRB or Charal. They are not very powerful and the boat is older. In training it's not easy against the 2016 boat, but we've improved a lot with the rake system and by putting the ballast tanks outside (we're 800kg lighter for the same righting moment). I have been sailing a lot this year in the new configuration. It's rather positive, I'm able to stay close to the boats of 2016. Next year, we will start building new foils.
Changing the ballasts has changed the whole ergonomics of the boat: the chart table, the seat, the bunk, in short everything has been changed since the Vendée Globe. It shouldn't move too much anymore, just be improved.
The more the change of sail plan to make it easier for me. I don't have a J1 anymore, I have a big J2. I'm the only boat with a sail plan like that. I'm taking advantage of the prior art rule that allows me to do that. New boats from 2016 onwards can no longer do so. My sail plan is much more versatile, adapted especially for me. The physical sail changes are too hard. But sail changes are very expensive in time and effort for everyone, even for the boys, so it's a win-win not only because I'm a girl, but also for performance.
Can you introduce us to your boat?
My chart table changes sides, so does the seat. The entire interior is optimized for the cottage. The seat is close to the bulkhead so as not to fly too much if the boat hits something or a wave. Even the kitchen and food for the day are matured. I check the bags in the bunk, because it's the most optimized place for the RM[Righting Moment] and I sleep lower. On a rum I don't need more space. On a Vendée Globe, I use a "sled". The boat is sailing quite upright so I don't need to move the weights back too much. There is less need to walk the sails to the stern than on other boats.
I sail with my doors closed because the boat makes a lot of noise. And if there is collusion, it is better that the doors are closed because it fills up quickly.
I have a ball mattress in the bunks to dampen and a ball pouffe that I put on the floor for naps. The boat is quite brutal when it goes fast and it vibrates a lot. Foils provide a lot of speed, but they also absorb shocks. We have fewer shocks, but a higher average speed so the movements are violent.
I adjust the foils with valves in the cockpit. It's a hydraulic system. I have a rake angle return. These adjustments were added after the foil. So once the rake has been adjusted, I can no longer bring in the foil. The well is too small. If I ever get the raked foil in, I'll blow everything up. It's a bit of a compromise. As we are changing foil, we will change the system next year, but we absolutely wanted to put it on despite the risk of damage.
Even the foil will be geometrically modified to improve performance, especially at low speeds. I have confidence in Guillaume Verdier to gain in low speed without losing in performance in high speeds. I gave him carte blanche to choose the foil. He has a lot of experience on the Multi and the America's Cup.
On the bridge I haven't changed much. I use it as it was done by Mich'[Desjoyeaux] and Armel[Le Cleac'h].
What is the objective on this Route du Rhum?
Qualification for the Vendée Globe . If I finish this race, I am qualified for the Vendée Globe. After that there is a question of miles to go to make sure you have a place, but there shouldn't be any problem.
And of course since we're in the race, I'll try to do the best I can. On the pre-season races I did 1 er and 2 e it confirms to me that I can make a good ranking. We are a fleet of 20 boats, there are 10 foilers, if I get into the first 5: I'm delighted.
What will be the difficulty in achieving this in terms of strategy, weather or personally?
Everything, you have to sail super well. The head of the fleet doesn't do much foolishness. Every mistake is expensive on these boats that go very fast. If we go very fast in the wrong direction, it's hard to catch up. You have to be very demanding and have a little luck. It's a mechanical sport. If we break, we have to slow down to repair and it is also very expensive.
In a nutshell, could you describe the Route du Rhum?
It's a transatlantic race. It was the race that made me discover solo ocean racing. In 1998, I helped Ellen MacArthur to prepare his race in 50 feet. I had just finished a Jules Vernes trophy and I had some free time. It's kind of thanks to that that I'm here today.
Can you tell us about a memory or a memorable moment that you lived with the Route du Rhum?
I have a lot of them. Working with Ellen, I discovered this universe. His team had gone up to the top at the last minute. We were all over the place from 6:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the middle of the night to get her ready. We changed boats and partners at the last minute. After the race, I had transported the boat from Guadeloupe. It was a very complete experience.
Then I did the weather routing for Gildas Morvan in 2006. In 2010 I was part of Sidney Gavignet's team. The Route du Rhum I've lived it a lot, but I've never run before. Yet I have already done 24 transatlantic races. It'll be my 25 e and even 26 e on the way back with the boat.
