Justine Mettraux talks about her ups and downs

Justine Mettraux is the first Swiss woman to participate in the Vendée Globe. At sea for a month, the Geneva native tells us from her IMOCA “TeamWork” the first part of her adventure, during which she suffered damage. Interview.

Melinda Hochegger

Justine Mettraux, your journey began a month ago. How are you doing?
On a scale of one to ten? I’d say seven. I’m a little sleep deprived. The conditions were harsh, so it’s not easy for recovery. But other than that, I feel good.

You mention sleep. Do you follow a fixed pace?
No, no rhythm. It is even very difficult to have a daily routine. But I’m used to it now. After all, it’s always like that at sea. In fact, as you gain experience, it becomes easier to function on little sleep. I sleep about five hours a day, but not all at once.

And when you’re not resting, what do your days look like?
It depends on the weather. We receive the most important updates around 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. I make sure I’m in good shape at these times, to analyze the information as quickly as possible and be sure of the chosen route. I plan meals based on these updates and the position of the sun: breakfast after sunrise and dinner after sunset.

You are currently 11th and first female. Did you imagine it before setting off?
Yes, I am the highest ranked woman, although Samantha Davies and Clarisse Crémer are close. In previous regattas, the title of first woman was often between Davies and me, so I could already imagine that we would both be in front. Davies has a newer boat, so it has more potential than mine. Who knows, maybe she had problems on board and hasn’t been able to give 100% yet.

Speaking of problems, your front sail tore. What happened?
I don’t really know. There were reinforcements in certain places. This formed a somewhat weaker and unstable area. The seam tore and could not be repaired, at least not with the means available to me on board.

Was it the most difficult moment you had to overcome so far?
Yes, 180 square meters of sail to recover, all alone, it’s not easy. I am proud to have managed to do it without causing damage to my boat.

You certainly expected such problems in such a complicated race.
Indeed, we know that a world tour like the Vendée Globe is long and that the sails are very stressed and can break.

Staying motivated must have been difficult after that.
You know, you stay motivated, because you really want to finish the race. Of course, this can be difficult at times. However, I quickly understood that I could no longer use it, so it didn’t bother me too much. But it’s true that we all have ups and downs, especially when conditions are difficult or it’s cold.

Ups and downs. So what has been, on the contrary, your best moment so far?
There is not one more than the others. I think of sunrises and sunsets, moonrises and those moments when navigation goes well. These are the reasons that push you to participate in the Vendée Globe. This is what we are looking for. Many things remain in memory.

Justine Mettraux is in the race for a Top 10. image: Keystone

Is there a specific moment that you will always talk about? when you talk about your participation in the Vendée Globe?
This will probably mix things up a bit, although I’m sure I’ll be experimenting a lot more until the finish. But I’m proud of the way I managed this big sail, alone. I will definitely tell you this a few more times (Laughs).

Apart from a new sail, what would you like from now on?
Come back, safe and sound. It would be wonderful if I sailed to the port of Les Sables-d’Olonne. I could then say that I am a Vendée Globe finisher.

It will still take time before we get there. You are currently sailing in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Australia. What’s changing in the South Seas?
The water cools, so overall conditions deteriorate. For example, it becomes uncomfortable when you go on deck. You also need to find a good pace to progress well.

What do you miss most about being at sea?
What I always miss as soon as I leave: my family, my friends and a little comfort. Our boats are quite rustic. I sleep in a sleeping bag at the bottom. The kitchenette is also very simple. It’s like going camping (Laughs).

So you don’t need much to work?
That’s correct. I have what it takes to prepare a good meal and relax. Taking a hot shower is possible.

How do you do?
I heat some water. This allows me to wash in good conditions. You can find solutions.

Last question, Justine. What do you never miss?
At sea, I like to be offline. I’m far from civilization and I don’t get all the information about what’s happening elsewhere. When you take part in a race like this, it’s one of the rare moments in your life where you are truly cut off from the world. That’s what I appreciate.

Adaptation in French: Romuald Cachod.