Guirec’s August plan 100 days before the start of The Vendée Globe
Words by Le ChameauAugust 14, 2024
This year marks the tenth time the global competition has taken place since it was founded in 1989, and this year will begin on the 10th November and include 44 sailors from across the world.
This upcoming trip is just the latest in a long line of adventures that the Frenchman has set his sights on. He has completed 70,000 nautical miles so far, with two solo rows across the Atlantic, and a five-year journey across the world with only his hen Monique for company.
As the bulk of the preparations for his latest expedition come to an end, we caught up with what his August looks like, and what his plans are from now until the start date in November.
What does a skipper do in preparation for the Vendée Globe at this time?
Guirec plans to take this period of time slowly and take a break in his Cote d’Armor home, which he sees as his haven of peace.
Although this is a welcome break, he will have to take a handful of trips back to be with his team in Concarneau to make sure everything is still running smoothly.
“It doesn’t bother me, though, I don’t consider this work, since it is my passion.”
What are the main priorities 100 days before departure?
Not only is he concerned with preparing his personal and technical equipment so as to not be too cold and to optimise space and weight on board, he is also thinking about the food he is taking with him. He needs to make sure everything stays fresh when he crosses the equator, and has vacuum-packed a lot of his stuff. He also thinks that keeping a lightweight coolbox on board will ensure that he is still getting the nutrients he needs.
“The challenge is to make sure that the coolbox is as light as possible, and doesn’t consume too much energy.”
What emotions is he feeling this close to the race?
Impatience. Over the last year we’ve learnt that Guirec is itching to get going on the waves and prove he can step up to this challenge. The Vendée Globe is a new challenge for him, and his new boat Freelance.com is quite complex to operate and different to what he’s used to the rowing boat he used in the famous expedition with his hen Monique.
“I’m excited for this extraordinary adventure and to start the Vendée Globe. My only fear is running into a technical problem, but I know I can count on my boat.”
You can read more about Guirec Soudée’s background here and the Vendée Globe here.