Jérémie Beyou - Charal
The skipper of Charal, the first new-generation boat to be launched in 2018, is more determined than ever for his 4 e participation. After a third place in 2016 and several podium finishes on the IMOCA circuit with a dazzling boat, the 44-year-old sailor is aiming for victory more than ever. All the more so as, at a time when some people are still looking for their boat's operating instructions, he has finally found it.
"We've been preparing for this Vendée Globe for three years now. Every boy and girl on the team has done a fantastic job. And it's really important to share that with them. Now it's up to me to finish writing the story. We hope we've found the keys. When you go on a race like this, it's often difficult and there are a lot of surprises. This year again, the doldrums may bring me a few cold sweats."
Arnaud Boissières - La Mie Caline Artisans Artipole
Arnaud Boissière is also back for his fourth participation, after a 10th place in the 2016 Vendée Globe. For this new edition, he is in fact sailing aboard a new boat, an old generation boat fitted with foils.
"I've already finished 3 Vendée Globe races and it's a great privilege to be at the start of this new edition of the Vendée Globe. Four years ago, I already had the same partners. They have renewed a project to start again in this 2020 edition. It's an important commitment over the long term. My goal is to do better than I did in 2016. It took me 91 days for my second Vendée Globe, so if I can do 85 days or so, that will be a good result.
When you see the boats next door, it's scary. Jeremiah is doing peur?! But I'm going to please, share and make my partners live this project.
It's an asset to be based in Les Sables-d'Olonne, my partners are close to my project, as is my team. It's a small project, but in the end, there are no small projects. It's still intense, it's a real slice of life that requires a lot of preparation. It's a great privilege to be here."
Louis Burton - Bureau Vallée 2
For its third start, Louis Burton will be sailing on the boat that won the previous edition in the hands of Armel le Cléac'h. Had he finished seventh in 2016 while sailing on an older IMOCA and one of the heaviest boats in the fleet, he hopes to be at the forefront of the race in this edition.
"Even though my boat won the last edition, I don't put any pressure on myself. On the other hand, the fact that there's a magnificent line-up, with high-performance boats and skippers who are just as good, is a source of pressure. Physically too, it is. Because we've done everything we can to ensure that the Vendée Globe takes place and that we'll be at the start. That makes you want to do the best you can, especially in this context. Thanks to the organisers, the sponsors and Bureau Vallée. I'm honored to be part of this group of skippers aguerris?!"
Samantha Davies - Heart Initiatives
The British skipper is embarking on her 3rd round the world voyage after an 8-year absence. She will be sailing on the IMOCA, which has the largest wingspan of the entire fleet with its huge foils. After having distinguished herself in the pre-season races, she hopes to do as well, even better than her 4 e place in his 2009 Vendée Globe.
"I think this length of foil is the right choice. I've gained a lot of speed with my boat. I'm lucky to be able to achieve this result thanks to the work of my team, who helped me to optimise my boat, which is in fact Jérémie's old boat (Editor's note: on the 2016 Vendée Globe). I have both a performance objective, but also a solidarity objective with my association.
This year, I am going with my husband (Romain Attanasio) on this world tour. It is a huge opportunity and our dream for both of us. We had never participated together, either by choice or because we didn't have the opportunity. One year he was gone and I wasn't, I was jealous and frustrated. But this year it's going to be okay. It just takes a lot of family logistics sometimes."
Alex Thomson - Hugo Boss
For his fifth participation and after finishing second in the 2016 edition, Alex Thomson is clearly displaying his ambitions: to win and become the first Briton to win the Vendée Globe. On his brand-new IMOCA Hugo Boss, he has been training on his side, without allowing his rivals to measure him.
His objectif?? A world tour and a first place in 67 jours?!
Jean Le Cam - Yes We Cam?!
King John - as he is known - is also returning for his fifth participation. After a 6th place in 2016, he remains rather humble about his goal.
"You try to make the best of what you have and use your experience too. I'm going on my third circumnavigation of the world with this boat. My aim is to go faster than in my last Vendée Globe, which I completed in 80 days. Thanks to my new partners, Crédit Agricole and Ibis, we've set out to do something not bad. But we'll see when we reach the finish."
