After a Route du Rhum 2022, Rémy Gérin is back to solo sailing on his 20 m cutter, Faiaoahe, named after a Marquesas goddess from Herman Melville's novel. He will be sailing in the Vintage category, which is open to enlightened amateurs and has only two entrants for this first edition.
Can you introduce yourself and explain how you got into sailing?
I am 61 years old and the father of 3 children. My two eldest sons, aged 20 and 23, are on the Cap Martinique. They are racing between brothers on a JPK 9.60 and have just sailed around Madeira. It's their first ocean race and I'm on daily watch with them. They're heading for the trade winds, whereas I'm going to do a much more northerly transatlantic race.
I started sailing at the age of 30. Before that, I trained in the mountains. I discovered the relationship with nature and wide open spaces through mountaineering. After a knee problem, I switched to the sea.
I've done a lot of offshore sailing, with a crew, as this boat has already crossed the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans several times, circumnavigated Cape Horn and reached the Marquesas Islands.
I came to soloing a bit by chance. In 2017, I did Classic Week in Antigua and the prologue was a fake solo. I finished 3rd and loved it. I then raced the Route du Rhum 2022 in a Rhum Mono, finishing 7th. It took me 31 days, but I finished. I circumnavigated the island, and once again I loved it.
Can you tell us about your boat?
I had it built 18 years ago. Faiaoahe is a racing-cruising concept. The idea is to go offshore in relative comfort, and to be able to compete in certain races. It's named after a princess from the Marquesas Islands in Herman Melville's novel. In fact, that's why I went to the Marquesas.
I designed it with a talented architect, Guy Ribadeau Dumas. It's a boat with lines that allow it to go quite fast. It's more of an upwind boat than a downwind one. The interior layout is quite comfortable. She's quite canvasy, quite powerful.
It's a boat made for offshore racing. So I did La Trinité-Cowes, the Drheam Cup, the Rhum solo two years ago and the Transat this year. If I make it to New York, I'll be doing the return trip double-handed with one of my sons.
What's the story behind your boat that makes you want to take it back across the Atlantic?
I've already been to New York in 2009. I did the Transat classique in 2008, from Douarnenez to Agadir in August, then from Agadir to Saint-Barth. In the spring of 2009, I rode it to New York, and I have incredible memories of that arrival by boat. It gave me a very strong emotional response. Passing under the Brooklyn Bridge with Manhattan in the background. I love the solo aspect of it, and I love going back with my boat.
In terms of preparation, have you made any modifications to your boat?
A boat is constantly improving in many small ways. But there weren't any major improvements compared with the Route du Rhum. We've reduced the rudder a little so there's less pressure on the pilot.
Solo or crew?
I love both. When I discovered solo sailing, I realized that it involves a lot of responsibility and physical commitment. I'm also happy when we're sailing with 10 people, as was the case on a trip to the Pacific.
Why take part in The Transat CIC?
I think it's great that the organizer is mixing IMOCA, Class40 and amateur boats. Keeping alive this tradition of great ocean races with sailors who came without sponsorship. It's great for the general public. In the same race, there are the world's greatest sailors, the fastest boats... On the pontoons, during preparation, you're right in the middle of this fleet.
It's great to keep this tradition alive and for the organization to invite us to come and take part. This year there are only two of us, because we have to prepare the boat and the man. They communicate a lot about Tabarly's story, and it's important to have people embodying this tradition. It has to be different. I'm different, my boat is different.
I love the open sea, the finish in New York is fantastic, and I like things that are a bit difficult. On the Route du Rhum, I pushed my limits. It was hard, but I did it. I know it's going to be tough. In the Vintage class, you have the right to routing and I chose Christian Dumard. He routed me for the Route du Rhum and it went well.
How do you feel about it, given that for this first year there are only two of you in the Vintage class? Is there a competitive spirit?
Not at all! Patrick has an Open 50, which is a rocket next to mine. We're both from La Trinité, so there's a sense of solidarity. I hope he finishes a long way behind me. My only objective is to finish in 27 days, because that's the time Tabarly took in 1964. I've got a better boat, but I'm not as talented as he is, so why not?
Have you had any special preparation?
I had prepared a lot for the Rhum, which was a year and a half ago. I did a bit of sailing, brought the boat back from England single-handed. I've got a bike on board to work on my cardio.
How does it feel to be running with professionals?
It's great! You're in it knowing that you're different. I'm not a pro, and my boat isn't as fast. Mixing these different classes is an enriching experience. The diversity, the difference, the different stories, that's what enriches the whole thing. You start with a fleet of 33 IMOCA boats that you won't see again. It's inspiring to be alongside them.
