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The replacement mast donated by Maxime Sorel
Eleven days after his dismasting during the Défi Azimut on September 13, 2024, Romain Attanasio found an unexpected solution to continue his preparation for the Vendée Globe. Maxime Sorel, skipper of V and B - Monbana - Mayenne, offered his spare mast, enabling Attanasio to get his IMOCA Fortinet - Best Western back on its feet. On Tuesday September 24, the mast was transported from Concarneau to the Lorient base, where Attanasio's technical team took over.
Replacing a mast on an IMOCA is a complex operation. It's not just a question of fitting the spar, but also of equipping it with all the necessary equipment: halyards, shrouds, electrical wiring and various sensors. Each element has to be installed with the utmost precision to ensure that the boat is up and running again as quickly as possible. Romain Attanasio aims to have his IMOCA ready for the pontoon in Les Sables d'Olonne on October 18, marking his official entry into the Vendée Globe 2024.
A technical and financial challenge
While Maxime Sorelâ??s solidarity solved the technical problem, the question of financing remained. Replacing the mast and adapting the equipment represents a considerable expense. According to Romain Attanasio,  "âeuros¯the cost of this operation amounts to 250,000â¬âeuros¯".
Thanks to the help of its main sponsors, Fortinet and Best Western, as well as a participative financing campaign, around half of the sum has already been raised. Romain Attanasio's team continues to seek partners to make up the shortfall. Entrepreneurs interested in sponsorship in the world of sailing can still join the project, offering a unique opportunity to become associated with an adventure as prestigious as the Vendée Globe.
Romain Attanasio's IMOCA at the start of the Vendée Globe 2024
The IMOCA Fortinet - Best Western must be ready for the major events ahead. On October 19, the Vendée Globe village will officially open its doors, providing a global showcase for all the boats and their skippers. As for the race itself, the start is scheduled for November 10 at 13h02. In the meantime, Romain Attanasio's technical team is working tirelessly to ensure that the boat is in perfect condition to tackle the world's seas.
The Vendée Globe is an extreme competition, and every technical detail counts. Replacing a mast less than two months before the start is an additional challenge, but with the solidarity of the sailing world and the financial support of her partners, Attanasio is well on the way to being on the starting line.
