After finishing fifth in the last Vendée Globe, Sébastien Josse went around the world again, but with a crew, before being entrusted with the helm of one of the latest Farr designs in this year´s Vendée Globe. Well advanced in his preparations, the young skipper from Nice is seen as one of the frontrunners, if his experience and determination are anything to go by… After a week out of the water, the IMOCA Open 60 will be relaunched tomorrow in Lorient in Brittany, where the team have packed and arranged everything for the round the world race.
There´s only a month to go now before the start in Les Sables d’Olonne…
«This is the final stretch and I feel like I´m more or less ready… which is rather unusual! I don´t feel I´m pushed for time and was able to take part over the last few weeks with some other competitors in the training sessions organised in Port la Forêt. My shore team has already completed the preparation of the spare equipment and supplies for the boat. All that remains is to sail off to Les Sables d’Olonne in a boat that is well and truly ready... »
What did you learn from the first training session in Port la Forêt?
«It was important to be there, as it´s an excellent way of seeing what you can do against the others and to compare the boat´s performance. I´m very pleased about BT´s speed, trust my boat and I´m really enjoying sailing!»
Time for a short rest before setting sail?
«I´ll certainly be having some time off, once I´ve reached Les Sables d’Olonne on 17th October. I´ll take advantage of the final days to get away from the pressure of the pre-start. The competitors nervously look each other up and down for one final observation round and then I´ll be taking off for two weeks to visit the family in the South of France, which will be a good way of recharging the batteries… »
You look fully relaxed, while remaining focused!
«This is not going to be my first solo round the world race and in between I did another one with a crew in the Volvo Ocean Race (after a Jules Verne Trophy in 2002). Besides, my shore team is much bigger and a lot more professional, so they look after things ashore. I have more means and a better boat than in 2004-2005… The goals aren´t the same in comparison to last time, but I feel more relaxed, because I know what to expect in the lead up to the start and in the race itself! The route doesn´t scare me as much as four years ago and my boat will be sailing well and quickly as I take her around the world. Above all, I have a very good team helping me, so never feel alone. That´s what gives me confidence… »
