Maxime Sorel, intrepid sailor and godfather of the association Overcoming Cystic Fibrosisis preparing to set sail again, on Sunday November 10, on the legendary Vendée Globe. After making an impression during his first participation, the skipper of V and B – Monbana – Mayenne this time aims to reach new heights. But what is this thirst for freedom that drives Maxime Sorel, this man who has already climbed Everest, both at sea and in the mountains?
Four years after a first adventure concluded in tenth place, the native of Cancale wishes to push his limits by facing the elements, from the Bay of Biscay to Cape Horn, in a non-stop and unassisted journey.
His objective: to aim for a top 5 and write a new page in his career on the legendary course where formidable natural challenges follow one another.
Foolproof physical and mental preparation
Since launching his foiler in June 2022, Maxime Sorel and his team have increased their training to be ready. After numerous successful races, such as the Route du Rhum and the Transat CIC, Maxime is approaching this Vendée Globe with the experience and serenity of a seasoned sailor. But beyond the technicality of navigation, he also relies on solid mental preparation, inspired by his ascent of Everest.
These extreme challenges forge, according to him, a unique inner strength, a precious asset in the face of the unforeseen events of the ocean.
A sailor serving a cause: commitment to Overcoming Cystic Fibrosis
Maxime Sorel's journey is not limited to sporting exploits. As national sponsor of Overcoming Cystic Fibrosisit works to raise awareness and support families affected by this disease. This second Vendée Globe is an opportunity for him to raise the colors of the association and offer increased visibility to the cause.
This commitment is a real motivation for Maxime, which reinforces his desire to succeed and to inspire by his example.
A solitary navigation, far from everything… and from the competition
Maxime Sorel underlines this: “I am not interested in my competition”.
For him, the important thing is above all to navigate freely, without being influenced by the trajectories of others. This detachment from other competitors helps him to fully experience his adventure while remaining focused on his own race and his own decisions. This approach also allowed him to perform in several races where he surpassed himself in complete autonomy.
Freedom: a driving force for the adventurer
Asked about his relationship with freedom, Maxime Sorel evokes the pleasure of being able to make his own choices, whether in life or at sea. Sailing offers him a feeling of escape and fulfillment, rare and precious moments, sometimes difficult to live with during a long race.
He hopes to feel these moments of “great freedom” during the most intense moments of this Vendée Globe, those which give deep meaning to his commitment as a sailor.
Weaknesses transformed into strength: Maxime’s perfectionism
Maxime Sorel describes himself as a perfectionist, sometimes even too rigorous in his strategic choices, which can constitute a challenge in the long term. This attention to detail pushes him to increase the number of maneuvers and adjustments on his boat, a behavior that he wishes to adjust for this new edition of the Vendée Globe.
However, this demand on himself also gives him a particular tenacity, especially when the racing conditions become demanding.
A family project and a team of enthusiasts
If Maxime Sorel is preparing to experience a solo adventure, he is surrounded by a dedicated team who helped him make this project a reality. Alongside his brother Jérémy, Maxime is proud to have built a solid project, financed with limited but effective resources.
This project is the perfect illustration of the challenge taken up by two self-taught people who brought together solid partners like V and B, Monbanaand the department of Mayenne to shine in the IMOCA circuit with the best quality-price ratio.
An adventure followed by thousands of enthusiasts
Maxime Sorel will not just sail for himself: with the help of those close to him, he will remain connected to the outside world throughout the race. Between F1 news, on-board films and some well-chosen entertainment, the skipper plans to stay in touch with his passions and those around him.
This dynamic, which he intends to maintain while sailing, will allow him to remain calm despite the isolation and solitude of this crossing.
Maxime Sorel:
2024: New York Vendée – 12th
2024: The Transat CIC – 5th
2023: Transat Jacques Vabre with Christopher Pratt – 8th
2023: Rolex Fastnet Race – 4th
2022: Route du Rhum – 5th
2022: Azimut Challenge – 4th
2020-21: Vendée Globe – 10th (82d 14h 30m 15s)
2017: Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre with Antoine Carpentier and in Class40 as well as the Rolex Fastnet Race
Source press release
