How is sailing perceived in Spain?
In Spain, it is quite difficult to find sponsors for professional projects. However, in eight years, there have been two America's Cups, one Louis Vuitton Cup, five Volvo Ocean Race starts, four Barcelona World Races, one Veluxeuros start
Despite this, the general public is not interested in sailing. To arouse interest, you need a sensational project. A 40-foot project, for example, does not interest. In fact, it doesn't exist.
It is still incredible for a country that has participated in such races!
Victory in the 2014 Route du Rhum ©A.Courcoux
Today, where are you professionally?
My situation is special. I now have some recognition in my country after the successes I had between 2014 and 2017. I won all the events I participated in. In particular the Route du Rhum in 2014, which I won without a sponsor (Editor's note: Alex became the first Spaniard to win a transatlantic race).
More recently, we left for the Jules Verne Trophy with a small boat ( Editor's note: Alex Pella was part of Francis Joyon's crew on Idec Sport ) and we broke the record. I then won the Jacques Vabre 2017 in Multi50 with Lalou Roucayrol .
Finally, I always start without being a favorite and I finish victorious. I am proud of it! In spite of that, I can't find a permanent project.
I have really enjoyed the last few years. I did the Mini, the Route du Rhum, the Volvo, the Jules Verne Trophy, I had a lot of fun. These last two years with Francis were incredible.
Lalou Roucayrol and Alex Pella winner of the 2017 TJV in Multi50 © Jean-Marie Liot / ALeA / TJV17
Why not set up a project in France?
In France, I don't think I have the recognition that other sailors have. I haven't tried either. I think that I have more of a role as a substitute, whether on races or in big teams, thanks to my track record.
I tried twice to race the Vendée Globe, in 2012 and 2016, but I couldn't find the budget. When I understood that I would not participate, I could devote myself to new projects.
I have sailed with many skippers in four years: Armel le Cléac'h, Francis Joyon, Kito de Pavant, Sydney Gavinet, Bilou (Roland Jourdain), Lionel Lemonchois, Jean-Pierre Dick. It was a real pleasure and they gave me a great training. I learned a lot from them.
Kito de Pavant and Alex Pella (Made In Midi) before the start of the Atlantic Challenge ©Bateaux.com
What are your ambitions?
Today I want to have a personal project. Just to be able to manage my personal calendar (laughs). For the last 15 years, I don't know my schedule in advance, but I now have a family.
Sailing is a job that allows us to live, but it is also a passion in which we have fun. And I want to continue to have fun, to enjoy myself. I like it and I would like to continue this momentum for another 10 years with various and varied projects.
While Spain does not have this sailing culture, I realize how lucky I am. Today, all I can do is a bonus!
