What has been your running program since the Rhum? Road?
Overall, as sailors, we build our lives around racing boats. Some of them are having fun with big trimarans around the world, others are sailing in Figaro, Mini or Class40, as is my case.
After finding a racing boat in running condition and defining its program, the objective is to do as much racing as possible. However, the Caribbean arc deserves to be known for its regatta program.
By deciding to participate in the Atlantic Challenge, we finally spent the winter in the Caribbean sun. Then, we didn't see ourselves leaving the boat at rest for three months to come back to participate in this mid-March transatlantic race. The idea was to take advantage of the climatic conditions that are ultra favourable in the West Indies in winter - unlike the metropolis -. In the Caribbean arc, the regatta program is exceptional, you can participate in a race every 15 days in islands that make you dream: Grenada, Martinique, Antigua, Saint-Martin, St Barth, etc.
The Caribbean racing season begins in February - one of the major races in the Caribbean is the RORC Caribbean 600 Race - and ends in May with Antigua Week (27 April to 3 May 2019). In the Class40 class, this race is generally not done to favour the European racing programme which begins with the Normandy Channel Race (16-26 May 2019), hence the interest of this transatlantic race back into the race (Défi Atlantique).
Kito de Pavant and Alex Pella (Made In Midi) before the start of the Atlantic Challenge ©Bateaux.com
Why did you participate in this race program caribéen??
For the pleasure of participating in exceptional events in ideal weather conditions for navigation?! Racing in a fleet in 25 knots of wind, wet by the sea spray of the Caribbean Sea, is as much fun as it is interesting from a sporting point of view. For sponsors, it is also an opportunity to shine in a new universe or to bring VIPs.
The purpose of these races is also to positively slow down the way we live our running projects. We are used - and it is a bad habit - to immediately transporting boats to France - by sail or cargo - after the autumn transatlantic crossing of the Route du Rhum. Upon their arrival, they are started for a few months before reproducing a new season in France.
Today, in the West Indies, there are many exciting races that bring together international fleets. Overall, it's still more pleasant to sail in hot and turquoise water than in cold water (laughs). At my age too, slowing down is not bad. Even if it is in a moderate way because we continue to do the same things, to schedule races, to work on other subjects.
Kito de Pavant (Made In Midi), leading at the start of the Atlantic Challenge ©Bateaux.com
I think that Class40 owners can be convinced of the interest of these Caribbean regattas. Racing in hot water and returning to France for a complete and coherent 6-month program is worth it. And now, with the Atlantic Challenge, we can even make this return to racing. Overall, it is cheaper than a return by cargo ship and it is sportier and more attractive.
Moreover, the season here is not expensive, the boats are at anchor. Of course, it is necessary to take care of it all winter long, but some skippers have left their boats in the marina all winter long. After all, what to do with the boats in December, whether in Port La Forêt, Lorient or La Grande-Motte?? They're under construction. At least here, we race and that's what we like faire?!
For me, you have to love boats passionately, love being on the water. We spent the Caribbean winter in the boat, from anchorages to the start of the race. It wasn't always very comfortable, but I would do it again with my eyes closed.
