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Louis Burton and Clément Commagnac are about to cross the Atlantic aboard the IMOCA Bureau Vallée. Before casting off from Le Havre, they take part in a short, fast-paced interview, where humor and humanity take center stage.
We discover two sailors whose shared experience unites them, but whose energy sets them apart. Louis, in his forties and well known for his involvement in the IMOCA class, is a straightforward skipper. Thirty-year-old Clément, a fine trimmer who came through the "espoirs" program, has been with him for seven years. Between them, there's a natural complicity and a few well-intentioned jabs, such as the nickname "bourrin" ("tough guy") thrown in from the outset.
Rituals, values and hidden cigarettes
On the docks, there's no superstition on board, just their own fetish objects. For Clément, a Bargeon knife that belonged to his father. For Louis, there's nothing very mystical, apart from a carefully concealed pack of cigarettes. On board, food remains an essential element, but it's above all the desire to sail by feel that prevails. "We didn't prepare anything," they admit with a smile, relying on their mutual understanding to cope.
A rescue in the Mediterranean as a lasting memory
Among the anecdotes, a powerful story comes to mind: that of a Moroccan swimmer, hooked to the foil of their boat off Genoa. Clément, who was alone on board at the time, managed to bring him back on board, rehydrate him and save him. A rare scene, almost unreal, but revealing of the sailor's humanity.
Music, childhood and inspirational figures
Onboard music? A playlist called Lino Edit, concocted by Louis with his children. As for their sailing memories, they go back to childhood: a first helm at the age of four for Louis, an internship in primary school for Clément. The sailors who made them dream? Slocum, Cammas, VDH, or the stories told by Louis' father, who was more of a traveler than a racer.
A message to earthlings, between lucidity and hope
When it comes to ecology, the duo don't shy away. They seek to understand and reduce their impact. No lectures, but a conviction: "It's worth fighting for, because it's still possible to save it". Their message to the people of Earth? Rest, enjoy and believe in your dreams. The tone is sincere, without posturing, just like their interview.
