Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme happy “to find a bed that doesn’t move” after taking “micro-naps” for two months

The first two finishers of the Vendée Globe, guests of franceinfo, look back on their experience after spending two months at sea.

The first two finishers of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme, “well celebrated” their return to dry land, they declared on Franceinfo on Sunday January 19. They were also happy “to find a bed that doesn’t move” after making “micro-naps” for two months.

Fatigue is the “largest element” to take into account during the race when “we don’t have too many technical problems”explains Yoann Richomme. “Fortunately, we come from several years on the Solitaire du Figaro circuit which trains us to take micro-naps”underlines the one who came second in this 2024 Vendée Globe. “There, we do them (naps) in sections of about an hour, but it’s limited to about 4-5-6 hours a day, not much more.”

Other “simple pleasure, but really pleasant”adds Charlie Dalin, to be able “take a hot shower”. The one who first completed this race around the world by sail, non-stop and without assistance, admits that he “unable to take a shower during the Vendée Globe”even if he had “a special soap that works with salt water”.

Charlie Dalin who said to himself “surprised” to see Yoann Richomme “also at home in the South Seas” for his first solo world tour. “I felt like he had been doing this his whole life.”

Regarding the new record (64 days and 19h22) established by Charlie Dalin, Yoann Richomme believes that “given the weather scenario” of this 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, it seems difficult to achieve. “As long as boats don’t fly completely, which is the next technological development in about four years, I don’t think we’ll get there.”adds the one who was 9’30 ahead of Charlie Dalin passing Cape Horn (Chile), the last obligatory mark before Sables-d’Olonne (Vendée).

The favorable weather is “a very important part of this record”confirms Charlie Dalin who, arriving on the first Tuesday in Les Sables-d’Olonne, took more than nine days on the previous mark signed by Armel Le Cléac’h during the 2016/2017 edition in 74 days and 3h35.