Why participate in the Challenge Atlantique??
For several reasons. First of all, it's much more fun to come back to France on a race rather than by cargo or delivery. We have a great fleet in Class40 even if on the Atlantic Challenge there are only 12 boats and it is another opportunity to race against each other. This race is a good way to bring the boats back after the Route du Rhum.
Can you tell us about this western route at est??
I think it's a very good initiative. I have already done this transatlantic race in March, with different conditions: splendid or awful. Let's take a look at this.
Two years ago, on this same course, I had a lot of wind in Antigua and the Azores and the Azores, France. The conditions were good at the start and then deteriorated throughout the crossing. Brittany Ferries had even had to cancel its ferry because of the bad weather conditions.
How does the start and then the transatlantic race question météo? look like?
We don't know. I don't like to look ahead because if it evolves - and it often does - we've planned something that won't happen. I listen to pontoon radio and the conditions shouldn't be too bad. But I prefer to make my own ideas when working on the files.
Why go to duo??
At first I had to be with Halvard (Mabire). We run a lot of doubles, we like it and we decided to sail together. For various reasons, the program has changed a little. Didier (Le Vourch) who raced with us the Caribbean 600 and the start of the Tour of the British Isles in 2018 (Abandoned due to a breakage) came as a replacement.
We would have had the opportunity to have a threesome if Halvard had come, but he won't. We're staying in doubles.
Since the Route du Rhum 2018, have we participated in the races caribéennes??
The boat was put in the dry in Granada, at a friend's house who has an adapted berth. It was easier to do this.
There is a regatta in January called Grenada Sailing Week in which my former boat, Colombre XL (which is participating in the 2019 Atlantic Challenge at the hands of Charles-Louis Mourruau) participated. I ran with them.
What is your opinion on the Caribbean 600, the flagship race of the bow antillais??
We participated on the Campagne de France one month ago (February 2018) and we finished 4 Apart from this "fishing" aspect, the Viking 650 and F and 580 F retain the brand's marine qualities. Namely an aluminium hull with a deep V on the front and a rear hull with the engine that retracts a little, characteristic of Gala Boat, and that allows it to take off even flat. behind Earendil, Aina and Lamotte Module-Creation.
The Caribbean is a pretty tough race, but it's worth it. I was wet from the start and throughout the race. Our boat (Campagne de France) is more versatile than the ones that are more reaching, but we are quite happy with our performance. On the reaching edges, precisely, we were in the same time as the others.
After logistically speaking Antigua is a rather expensive city. It is therefore necessary to plan and organize your trip beforehand.
What is your sporting ambition on the Challenge Atlantique??
Racing is always a very good training. It's no small feat to cross the Atlantic. People think it's very commonplace, but it's not. It is the same ocean as 2000 years ago - with much more pollution - and we are very small.
If we choose to run in doubles, we're going to be handicapped. Especially on the coastal course of the start with many manoeuvres. But after that, we'll be happy to be with two people, they're boats that are more like double the size.
For the performances, we'll try to do it properly. We are always motivated. The sooner we get to Horta - an absolutely splendid city - the sooner we can enjoy the Azores. For my part, I always divide my races in two and that's fine with this two-stage format.
What is your estimate of traversée??
About ten days. It's fast enough for a 40 pieds?!
What is the importance of this race at Class40??
It could become a classic. It's a good way to get back to France after the Route du Rhum. We'll see how it goes, but there's no reason. There is a good plateau, very good navigators, a good mix of everything. It's really in the spirit of the class.
How is the préparation? going?
It's preparation on board with the last things to finish. Didier arrived yesterday afternoon. We don't intend to sail, we both know the boat very well and I sailed in the Channel recently. The boat is more or less ready, seals to lock and a diver must pass.
Photo credits: Bateaux.com
