There is not much missing from the Vendée Globe to move into another dimension, the one that makes you shiver just by pronouncing the name of the event. Imagine, for example, an anthem similar to that of the Champions League in football to accompany the skippers as they exit the Sables-d'Olonne channel. That would suck. While waiting for a sailing Tony Britten to arrive, it gave us the idea of transforming five skippers into football clubs participating in the C1, based on their objectives for the race which starts on Sunday.
Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable), Manchester City
He has been around for several years, is announced as a big favorite by the bookmakers and has a huge budget. In addition, for this edition, with multi-ownership, the TR Racing City Group is putting two boats in the competition for the first time. We are told that there will be no instructions between the two very independent entities. In any case, like Girona, Sam Goodchild should not overshadow him.
Accustomed to winning everything in his path – Transat Jacques-Vabre (2021, 2023) and the Route du Rhum (2022) – Thomas Ruyant wants to capitalize on the biggest race in the world. “My best mental preparation in recent years is knowing with the whole team that we know how to win races, that we can go for races in an Imoca,” he explained to us in Le Vendée, “I I've already finished it, so that'll be the win this year. »
Yannick Bestaven (Master CoQ V), Real Madrid
It is not an old monkey, and one accustomed to victories, who is taught to make faces. Winner of the Vendée Globe in 2021 at the cost of an improbable comeback, Yannick Bestaven will be a client again this year, even if he is not necessarily announced among the favorites. The fault lies in a somewhat random form, injuries, and strengthening competition.
But, in this kind of competition, experience prevails. “Perhaps I have less pressure than those who have never won it and whose dream it is. On the other hand, that doesn't take away my desire to arrive first again. » Just be careful not to be offside too quickly.
Jérémie Beyou (Charal), PSG
It's been around for some time. For his fifth participation, Jérémie Beyou announces that he wants to win the Grail, after having put in a lot of resources with his team. Until now, he had been quite unlucky in the competition, notably this improbable “elimination” during the last edition, with a return to port only a few hours after the start for a material problem.
This time, the skipper of Charal left with a new philosophy, supervised in particular by the sailor of the decade, Franck Cammas. Recognized worldwide for his training, Jérémie Beyou will have four of his former boats participating in the race. Be careful of the theory of the ex who comes to crucify you, right Kingsley Coman?
Jean Le Cam, (It all starts in Finistère), Celtic
Even if it no longer has its former glory, we still like to see Jean Le Cam participate in the Vendée Globe. This is the opportunity to have a history in the competition and going to see it is guaranteed to be a real treat. Unfortunately, compared to the big cars, it should not be up to the task and could take several miles in the face.
But, as in 2021, we are not safe from a good performance, even without foils, with this fourth place in the Vendée Globe. With Jean Le Cam, we are in real sailing. You’ll never walk aloneJean.
Violette Dorange (Become), Stade Brestois
No one expected her there and, yet, she will be at the start of the most beautiful competition, among the world leaders. All without enormous resources. Moreover, due to the lack of an approved boat, she took over the Imoca from neighbor Jean Le Cam to prepare and compete in this event. Violette Dorange, 23 years old, will fight with her weapons, without foiling, but with the enthusiasm of the newcomer, stars in her eyes, but with a little stress, too.
“I'm really heading into the unknown where there are lots of seas that I don't know at all. The South Seas, the Doldrums, entrusted us with the youngest of the event. I know that over three months, some problems will inevitably happen to me. I wonder how I will be able to react, will I know how to do it. There are little fears that can arise from this. » We promise him an encouraging start, before getting a little tougher once the first crazy days have passed.
