Already qualified for the next Vendée Globe after taking part in the last Route du Rhum, Arnaud Boissières is counting down the days. 654 is the number of days left before the start of the next Vendée Globe on 11th November 2012. But Arnaud Boissières doesn’t need any reminding, as it is already on his mind.
“I’ve been thinking of the next Vendée Globe ever since the last one,” explained the skipper of Akena Vérandas, who cannot hide the fact that 2011 is a vital year in his preparation for the round the world race. “Of course, there is the Jacques Vabre and the solo return trip,” he declared. Arnaud has indeed always sailed his boat home alone and intends to take advantage of the transatlantic race to get in some training.
Apart from these two transatlantic crossings, the 60-foot Akena Vérandas will also be taking part in two pre-season classics, the Guyader Grand Prix (ex-Petit Navire) as well as the SNSM record. Arnaud will also be taking part in the Rolex Fastnet Race starting in Cowes in August.
For the time being, the Farr designed boat is being worked on in Les Sables d’Olonne, her home port. Even if the boat returned home without any serious worries from the Route du Rhum, the winter refit is an important phase, which will be continuing until next April.
