Sébastien Simon is preparing to complete an exceptional adventure by winning third place in the Vendée Globe, a feat which perfectly illustrates his determination. His journey was not without pitfalls: the loss of his port foil in the Indian Ocean, even before halfway, could have compromised his ambitions. However, the skipper of the Dubreuil Group was able to demonstrate ingenuity and resilience, tirelessly adapting his navigation to remain competitive and secure his place in the Top 3. As he approached Les Sables d'Olonne, he precisely adjusted the final technical details while remaining on the alert like a squirrel near a nutcracker. “I didn't sleep all night because of the heavy maritime traffic, and I had to make a series of transfers in the current, because my timing for passing the Raz de Sein was not ideal. So, I'm a little tired, but it's okay even if at the moment I'm sailing on my bad side. This forces me to constantly regulate to maintain a good speed, because I easily gain two knots by keeping the boat stable,” commented Sablais. Although assured of getting on the podium, he does not let up his efforts, remaining focused and tracking the slightest gain in speed like others track four-leaf clovers. “Otherwise, time would seem even longer!” After playing with the currents, it is now the small rotations of the wind that I try to exploit as much as possible. Every detail counts, and my motivation is simple: it will make me arrive sooner. There is no reason not to do it, on the contrary! »
Last miles, last emotionsThese last miles, which he describes as the longest of the entire race, are marked by a mixture of impatience and emotion. He relishes the prospect of returning to dry land, while measuring the magnitude of the journey accomplished. This morning, a major surprise came to light up this final stretch: a video message of encouragement from Patrick Bruel, accompanied by Patrick Fiori and Nolwenn Leroy, recorded during the Enfoirés-Restos du Cœur tour. This warm nod reflects the spirit of the singer's iconic hit, “So Look,” which invites us to contemplate the path traveled while moving forward with determination. An idea that particularly resonates with Sébastien's state of mind, divided between impatience and introspection as he approaches Les Sables d'Olonne: “I'm really looking forward to arriving. The conditions are beautiful, everything is going well, but I want to finish this third place, to find the land, my loved ones, and to fully enjoy this moment.” Both nostalgic and looking towards the finish, he also confides: “It's strange, I. I have the impression that the departure was yesterday. Everything went by so quickly, and yet these last few miles seemed endless. I have already forgotten the difficult moments, as if they belonged to another life. “. This feeling of strangeness makes the wait even more intense, each moment becoming a prelude to this long-awaited moment: crossing the line. Estimated between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. next night, it promises to be an airlock of emotion before the final apotheosis: the return up the channel, scheduled for 8 a.m. tomorrow morning, surrounded by loved ones and supporters. The adventure is coming to an end, but it is already opening the door to everything it has transformed in him: indelible memories, new ambitions ready to blossom and renewed strength.
The art of adaptationRenewed strength is precisely what Paul Meilhat's state of mind embodies. Victim of a loss of forestay two days ago, the skipper of Biotherm is currently operating in degraded mode under J3, with the foil at 70%, but remains positive as well as combative. In other words, he has put on his unicorn costume, but keeps his lightsaber within reach. “There are no real rules in offshore racing: each situation is unique. Nothing is black or white, everything is in nuances, in compromises. So safety comes first, then competition comes second. In fact, this sentence applies from the start: it doesn't help me, I have to do as I feel”, notes Paul, describing a navigation where each moment requires adjustments: “My situation is not ideal, but it allows me to continue moving forward. As soon as possible, I will go up to the mast to install a new halyard. In two days, a ridge is expected to bring light winds, which could be a good time to carry out this operation. However, at that time, the swell caused by the big depression, expected in three or four days, will already begin to be felt. My dilemma: go up with little air but a strong swell or do it in windier conditions but on more stable seas. Whatever happens, there will be no perfect timing,” clarified the skipper whose choice comes down, in short, to a jump into the cacti or another into the nettles.
Between pressure and unforeseen eventsAs for the famous depression that is looming, he anticipates it with serenity: “The brunt of the strong wind will be quite easy to avoid. Staying a little further south by adopting a more southern trajectory towards the Canaries should be enough.” However, it promises to be tougher for his two more advanced competitors, Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE) or Jérémie Beyou (Charal). These two will certainly have to turn their backs when the time comes, facing winds that can reach 45-50 knots near the Azores and, above all, waves of seven to eight meters expected at the heart of the system. With a period of 14 seconds, these conditions will inevitably remind them of those in the Deep South. “We know that the North Atlantic in winter can be much more plentiful than the South Seas in the southern summer,” observed Paul Meilhat, discussing the latest challenges of the race. At this stage, the fatigue of the boats and the accumulation of small technical glitches amplifies the pressure. Each adjustment becomes more difficult and each mistake more costly. Sailors must demonstrate both determination and flexibility, constantly adapting to unexpected events. It is in the management of these last obstacles, physical and technical, that their true strength manifests itself.
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