Even if this year, the class will be poorly represented on the 2019 Transat Jacques Vabre, it is in full development such as gilles Lamiré explains it to us skipper of the Multi50 Group GCA Mille et Un Sourires: "Next year, we know there will be eight boats with an equivalent level." A passion shared by Sébastien Rogues: "This year, in the Multi50, the fleet is not very representative, but at the same time we are the only multihulls on the starting line. We are aware that this is not the big year, but in 2020, there will be eight of us."
They are therefore three pairs to start: Thibaut Vauchel Camus and Fred Duthil on Solidaires En Peloton - ARSEP, Sébastien Rogues and Matthieu Souben on Primonial and Gilles Lamiré and Antoine Carpentier on Groupe CGA Milles et Un Sourires.
A structure that suits Sébastien Rogues, a newcomer to the circuit. "We are happy to integrate the class under these conditions. With few boats, we're less likely to get overwhelmed."
A big favorite
Thibaut Vauchel Camus is the big favourite in this 2019 Transat Jacques Vabre. With a recent boat that he masters perfectly and convincing results on the races of the season, he assumes this status, as he entrusts it to us.
"You can't be labeled a favorite if you can't say you're going to win. What we have the opportunity to do. At the same time, we do not control the level of preparation of others. Sebastien Rogues and Matthieu Souben have made rapid progress. They had more aggressive navigational attitudes on this convoy, which they didn't have two months ago."
A multihull specialist
Gilles Lamiré has always sailed multihulls and has positioned himself as a true specialist in the field. In addition to his experience, the navigator from Cancun has been sailing a new Multi50 since April 2019, and Groupe CGA Mille et Un Sourires is the former FenêtreA Mix Buffet skippered by Erwan Le Roux.
"It's a great boat that has already won the Transat Jacques Vabre three times. Equipped with foils, it offers quite incredible performance. By virtue of its track record, it is one of the best boats on the plateau. I'm very happy to be the skipper."
Gilles Lamiré expects a match and a race played with knives pulled. But its goal is to be devant?!
"I have a lot of respect for my competitors. They are very great sailors. The level will be very high, but that's what's interesting. All three boats can win the event, concludes the skipper.
A successful outsider
Although he has only been sailing in the Multi50 since the summer of 2019, Sébastien Rogues is a real competitor. His Primonial boat is also very efficient and holds the victory in the 2018 Route du Rhum.
"It's a great boat, very powerful. We saw it on the Grand Prix this summer. I am also lucky to be accompanied by Matthieu Souben who brings me his incredible experience in multihulls. He's a sailing prodigy." explains the skipper.
After good results on the Grand Prix of the season, he intends to leave his mark on this Transat Jacques Vabre.
"Our preparation is short, but effective. We have a good boat and we are in the middle. I would say that we are the outsider to whom we must not leave too much space, otherwise he will eat tout?! At the same time, the unknown of the rhythm of the Transat Jacques Vabre arises. Of course we're not favourites, but I'm preparing to be at the top of the fleet."
Sébastien Rogues knows that only one place is at stake and that he has to face two serious competitors.
"They are two competitors specialized in multihulls. Thibaut is the favourite in this Transat Jacques Vabre, with a new boat. He's an excellent sailor. Next door, Gilles Lamiré and Antoine Carptentier are at the helm of the most successful boat in the class. Gilles has a superb experience in Multi50 and Antoine in ocean racing. He's known as the guy who'll never give up."
