In a month, on November 6, the 138 competitors in the Route du Rhum will set off from Saint-Malo towards Guadeloupe. An event that will be live on France Bleu Armorique. Before this great departure, we find the Breton skipper Yann Elies, our consultant for this great sailing race.
- France Bleu Armorique: Explain to us already, you who are a skipper, how do you feel one month before the start? What are we thinking? What exactly are we doing here?
Yann Elies : We enter the money time, in the starting funnel. And for some, it’s the last training, the last nights at sea. I know that in Port-Le-Forêt, we did an Imoca and Class40 course this week. There were also some, I believe, in La Trinité and Lorient. And next week, I believe there is the last Multi50 course also in the area. So we are still a little bit sporty. But subjects such as food, supplies and accommodation on site, logistics, when do we arrive… These are subjects that are starting to become more and more pressing.
- So also physical and mental preparation which is very important for this solo race?
Yes, absolutely, yes. Afterwards, what is certain is that the dice are cast and all that is technical preparation, performance, that’s all has been done in the year. And now, we will simply succeed in responding to logistics, to media requests. But it will be complicated to work in serenity effectively in the coming weeks.
- We can no longer make final adjustments? We can’t change anything on his boat anymore? Is it too late already?
We can always, but we can hardly validate them by a serene and objective navigation. Now, we are starting to be a little taken by time and stress. The countdown begins.
- As you said, the different categories of boats are training at the moment. The class of Ultimes is experiencing tensions this year with the François Gabart affair. You meet them. Do you know how it goes? What’s the vibe?
Yes the atmosphere is terrible. Of course, he has big disagreements on a gauge rule that is difficult to explain, the five protagonists of the ultimate class are a little torn in the public square, unfortunately. We would have liked them to do it a little away from the media and to sort it out among themselves, to wash their dirty laundry as a family. Well, I hope it’s not going to, it’s not going to harm the show.
- Because yes there is a show with the Ultimes…
Yes, the machines remain magical, incredible. It flies over water. We actually saw these last images again in Lorient last weekend. Nope, what may pose a problem for you is whether indeed François Gabart wins this race. Will the other competitors accept their defeat and be able to shake hands with François at the finish? That’s not sure yet.
- Another category, the Imoca with, unsurprisingly, Charlie Dalin who has just consolidated his position as leader…
Yes, indeed, a fortnight ago, on the Azimut trophy, he really rolled out the carpet, all his know-how and his talent. He really is above the rest. But it all seems a little too simple and a little too slick. And it’s a safe bet that all these favorites are not necessarily on the finish line or on the first step of the podium. Generally, the Route du Rhum scenario is a little more complicated and a little less wise than what we saw in September.
- Finally, do you have any advice for those who are going to start this solo race in a month?
I would say that in the preparation, you should not be too ambitious. You have to be ready to cross the Atlantic. It’s not that simple. Especially on these boats which all have performance claims. So, beyond the event and the spirit of competition, it must remain an adventure. Of the 138 competitors, we will say that two thirds are really there, in the adventure, in the fulfillment of a personal dream. So you shouldn’t have your eyes bigger than your stomach. Not necessarily aiming for a result on arrival, but simply getting to the other side to arrive.