The nine IMOCA class skippers are ready for the start of the Route du Rhum, which is due to begin at 1202hrs GMT on Sunday 31st October. Time now for the final preparations with the skippers dividing up their time between meetings, physical training sessions, rest and weather analysis. Out of the nine lining up for the start, eight took part in the last Vendée Globe.
Final days ashore
The nine solo sailors all wish to line up at the start feeling relaxed, confident and physically in the best of shape. A solo North Atlantic crossing in November is no easy matter. All of the skippers know they will be draining their resources and taking it to the edge. “A race lasting a fortnight is always intense,” confirmed Michel Desjoyeaux, before adding,”It’s a bit like a half marathon and we’re not going to look that great at the finish! “ That is why it is so important to get as much rest as possible now and carry out regular physical training sessions before the start.
Sleep is an important element in such an event as Armel Le Cléac’h, winner of the last Solitaire du Figaro knows. The skipper of Brit Air sleeps in 10-15 minute sequences, which allow him to recuperate and think clearly so he can sail well and deal with any incidents on board. “I’m quite rigid about that, even if there are people ahead of me, I never carry on until I’m exhausted. I continue to believe that right up to the end.” It is true that IMOCA monohulls are very demanding requiring intense physical effort and sometimes stress management is key. As the start draws near, the tension is bound to build and everyone has their own way of dealing with that. “To avoid feeling too much pressure, I try to stick with my childhood dream and forget the legendary aspect of the race,” explained Christopher Pratt, the youngest entrant in the Rhum, who is also hoping to take part in the next Vendée Globe.
As for the skipper of Safran, with two days to go to the start, he remains upbeat. Marc Guillemot : " The boat is well and truly ready… and I am too. What counts now is keeping calm, and I don’t see any reason for the moment why I should be worried. The team has done a really good job… Everything is going well. If I am relaxed, it’s because of the ability of the boat, the fact that I have already sailed her a lot and then, the qualities of everyone in my team.” Jean-Pierre Dick, who will be taking part in his third Route du Rhum, before signing up for his third Vendée Globe in 2012, believes he is in with a chance of winning. “There is truly a top class line-up in this year’s Route du Rhum. People tend to se me more as a good double-handed skipper. But for now, I really want to how what I can do sailing solo. With Virbac-Paprec 3, I am well armed to deal with the competition. Winning is something I can seriously believe in.”
Final weather analysis
Now is the time for the skippers to take another look at the weather charts before setting off. Routing is forbidden in the IMOCA category, so the preparatory work is vital, particularly as the weather for the first few days looks like being rough. “I look at the weather in more and more detail every day and in that way, I can get into the swing of things and make the strategic choices required for the first four days,” explained Arnaud Boissières. His eight rivals are doing the same, and this element will become increasingly important right up until Sunday.
Rest, physical exercise, dealing with the pressure, weather analysis... With such little time left to go before the start, each little detail is going to count, as it looks likely that this is going to be a closely fought contest and there will be little to separate the contenders for victory in Pointe-à-Pitre.
