The interview was to be done by video, via Skype. Unfortunately, the on-board software has collapsed. Which makes the sailor groan. “Shit thing, I need to update… Pfff!” With that, you’re good (he grunts).”
“We don’t even look at what’s happening in front anymore”
We forget the video, the voice will be enough. “I’m telling you right away that, outside, there are squalls, big guys, so eh… I can’t be everywhere! »
We got the message, we have to act quickly. Like the three leading foilers who are racing headlong into the South Atlantic, far in front. Very far away: “It’s very impressive, mind-blowing! They had the conditions for it. They are 1,200 miles ahead… There are them and us, we no longer even look at what is happening ahead. It’s no longer the same race, not the same weather system.”
He is right, the fleet is split in two: the foilers in front, the straight fins behind. Is the race already over? “We’ll see in the end,” says the sailor with six participations.
An eye on Violette
Obviously, Jean Le Cam keeps an eye on his protégé, Violette Dorange, 23, who sails on his old boat, Hubert. “Violette is between me and Éric (Bellion). She's good, it's perfect. I’m very happy to see her there, she deserves her place.”
Outside, the squalls seem to have calmed down. We have time to continue the interview a little more, to discuss other subjects. That of a person who means a lot, his wife, Anne. As discreet on land as it is essential at sea for the solo sailor: “Without her… I call her every day. Anne is my shore liaison. His role is essential.”
Anne also has six participations in the Vendée Globe. At home, behind the computer. With the dogs. “In our sporting careers, there are not only easy moments,” admits the skipper. So we need to have a trustworthy person who supports you in your project.”
“By my voice, Anne knows if I slept or not”
Anne, who manages 1,000 things on land, is the only one with the boat number. The only one who knows if her sailor husband is in good shape or not: “Ah yes, she scans me directly. By my voice, she knows straight away if I slept or not (laughs).”
Sometimes there is no need to speak. With King John, certain silences are worth more than long speeches. “It’s true, she knows me by heart,” he said.
This Tuesday, Anne felt that between the squalls outside and the software update inside, the sailor was a bit annoyed. She simply waited for the clouds to pass…
