The final scenario
« What we are witnessing is not surprising, neither about the duo, nor about the composition of the duo, nor about the timing. On the one hand, we expected Charlie and Yoann to be at this level. It’s a little disappointing for some others, including Thomas (Ruyant, VULNERABLE) who was dropped, but that’s part of the race. The race is very fast but again, this is not surprising, the last edition was very slow. The boats have progressed a lot and the sailors have been able to push their machine.”
Differences that surprise
« What is surprising, however, are the differences. I’m not talking about the gaps with the last one (Denis Van Weynbergh) who has the time to take his time and who is very lucky. On the other hand, the gap between the first three and the pack behind around Sam Goodchild is quite impressive. There’s almost an ocean difference, it’s incredible! »
Le finish
« For me, the outcome of the duel can only be decided by a stroke of bad luck. They don’t have the right to say it for themselves, but I have the right to say it for them! It could be a breakage that they did not anticipate and which would handicap them enormously. It happened to Charlie in the South Seas, to Yoann on Friday… It could come down to their ability to hold on mentally until the end. I remember going to see François Gabart arrive. We had to wait until he actually crossed the line to smile. Until the end, he was afraid that Armel Le Cléac’h would return. This will be their daily routine before crossing the line. And the winner will be the one who makes the fewest mistakes! »
The group of pursuers
« For me, part of the result was decided in Les Sables d’Olonne, a few hours after the start. We then saw a split, some were in the match and others were watching the train leave. You had to be in it straight away, be very rigorous, very focused on what was happening. The 2020 edition was an exception because it never started from the front. Nevertheless, we saw interesting options in the ascent of the Atlantic. Nicolas Lunven and Paul Meilhat went further out to sea, which is a traditionally logical option but which did not prove to be effective. The strategy along the coast, perhaps more risky, was, however, more profitable. This is also competition! »
Jean Le Cam’s race
« He made a bet that I thought was lost in advance: believing that what happened four years ago could happen again. Foilers are much faster than fin boats and the race only confirms this. Now he made a boat for himself, for the way he sails. As he is a very good sailor and a very good racer, he is not afraid when there are 50 to 60 knots. He knew how to do well and is doing very well, playing with boats that would have had the possibility of being far in front. »
