Between the two of them, they have almost ten round the world voyages under their belt! The British yachtswoman has already been around the world twice in the "wrong" direction and jokingly says: «Let´s just hope I don´t go the wrong way this time.» The English yachtsman will be taking part in his third Vendée Globe, but has already sailed around many other times in both directions, alone or with a crew… Both worked with the same design team of Owen Clarke Design, who came up with fairly powerful and identical machines, which showed their huge potential in their first races.

Tomorrow, no boats are expected to arrive in the harbour entrance channel in Les Sables d’Olonne, but many skippers have announced their departure from their home ports of Brest, Lorient, Port la Forêt, La Rochelle and La Trinité/mer and a lot are due to enter the port with the tide on Friday morning at around eight, just in time for breakfast. Meanwhile, the shore teams for the eight boats moored at the Vendée Globe pontoon are chiefly working in their little workshops and all the sailors and assistants we have met up until now seem very serene, and are pleased to be close to the start after years of preparation. Derek Hatfield (Algimouss-Spirit of Canada): «Being in Les Sables d’Olonne brings the whole race to life! I came for the starts of the previous two Vendée Globe races as a spectator, but this time I´m actually involved: It´s a great event for me, especially with my new partner, Algimouss, who has enabled me to finalise my budget. I´m feeling confident and am delighted to be here.»