Can you introduce us to your boat?
It is a Verdier plan that dates back to 2009. It's her first multihull. Since then he has made Gitana, the boat of the America's Cup... An architect and a talented team! For the design of my Multi50, they made a safe and secure marine boat. The floats are quite large and go well in the sea. It is a well built and nestled boat. But it's not so much a Grand-Prix boat, he likes the open sea. It is less progressive than the others, but offshore it is a good boat.
Since the authorization of Multi50 foils, these boats have gone crazy. They are machines that create speed, adrenaline in the air. They move forward on their own as soon as there is a small wind, then it only accelerates with the wind. You have to know how to tame them. With the few modifications we've made, we've gained in serenity. There are a few slightly hot paces, but generally the boat is able to accelerate hard while staying in its lines.
The manoeuvring, watchkeeping and cockpit positions are quite classic. The sheets (from GV or gennaker) are within reach. I did everything in order to stay on the "ground floor". The descent hatch remains closed. I have a bunk under the roof with access to the Iridium, the chart table, the keyboard, the food and the stove. If there's a fight for five days, I can stay here.
Inside at the bottom, there is the map table, a kitchen area and a bunk. In doubles we slept there, but there it will only be used to put equipment. Although if there are light conditions I don't forbid myself to spend time there.
We met at the start of the Transat Jacques Vabres 2017. What is the outcome of the year 2018 since your return?
The results are good. If we look at "accounting", we are almost always on the podium (with the exception of the Drheam Cup where we finish 4 e ). It was a season essentially focused on solo sailing: a lot of training, setting up the boat early enough. Throughout the season, we were able to prepare for this 2018 Route du Rhum, which was really the goal after the Transat Jacques Vabre. It's not easy because between crewed races, public relations and boat preparation... there aren't that many opportunities to solo. We really need to optimize these moments and we have been quite successful. There was a great job done by the team at this level. So I'm satisfied!
What optimizations have been made to adapt the boat to solitary conditions?
There are many things, but the most important thing is protection. We realized with Vincent on the Jacques Vabres that we were really not protected at all during our shifts. As soon as we got back, we stayed in the Canaries with Mattéo to design a sliding cap. We validated it very quickly. It's a real plus: in standby you're protected, it's completely windless. Before we used to take buckets of water all the time. In solo it wastes energy, so you get cold, you don't rest well. It's a vicious circle.
Ergonomics have also been reworked by removing crossovers from the nacelles to concentrate manoeuvres and improve efficiency.
We worked on the pilots for more reliability and performance.
At the sail level, we made a small gennak' of capelage. We're the only ones who have that. Just above the forestay, there is a capelage with a hook to receive it. Compared to a leading gennaker, it allows you to have a safer boat in the breeze.
Finally we played on the quest for the mate.
What is your objective on this Route du Rhum?
Finish! First of all, I would like to say that And if possible, try to win it. But there are 6 of us with the same objective, even if there are only 4 boats that stand out: 4 pros, 1 amateur boat and an older boat, without a foil and therefore less fast.
What will be the difficulties to manage? Strategy, weather or personal?
Our first enemy is ourselves. It is first and foremost a fight against oneself. You have to know how to manage yourself, your lucidity, your sleep. It's difficult to land, release, sleep when the boat is between 25 and 30 knots..
The second difficulty will be not to break. It's an important concept, because we're going to take a few hollow depressions. These are boats that do not like rough seas in the meadow. We'll have to preserve the boat and attack wisely. I lack a little experience in this field. It will be a discovery for me.
Can you tell us about a special moment in your life when you experienced the Route du Rhum?
The start is quite strong, the passage of Fréhel. It is a race that is mythical, which has nourished all the imaginations and careers of ocean racers. It's crazy to be part of it! My first Route du Rhum was in IMOCA so it was really nice. Behind it was a Vendée Globe project, I was on the way.
I remember crazy nights and the arrival which is fabulous. A lot of great memories.
How would you describe the Route du Rhum in two words?
All sailors, all ocean racers dream one day of making the Route du Rhum is "a dream come true". It is a race that has been rooted in each of us since childhood. We all have a specific memory, often related to the construction of our personal maritime life. It is probably for this reason that it is very symbolic.
What is your programme after the Route du Rhum?
I'm changing boats. [NDLR Armel is developing an IMOCA for the next Vendée Globe]. The boat is under construction. The launch is scheduled for August 2019. I put it aside a little bit to stay focused on the Rum, but it's going very well so far.
