Jeremie Beyou fine tuning Delta Dore for Vendee
After a series of setbacks in the preparation of his Farr designed boat, J?r?mie Beyou has been able to complete the fine-tuning of his Delta Dore and can now focus on his goals around the world.
'Delta Dore - Vendee Globe 2008'
Vendee Globe 2008 ©
The Breton yachtsman, who won the Figaro single-handed event, believes he is now ready and offers us the perspective of a newcomer to the Vend?e Globe.
Will you have the time to take some time out before the start in a month and a half?
It?s not yet the holidays, but I shall be taking some time out in mid-October before taking the boat to Les Sables d'Olonne. A short break with the family in Brittany, in the clean air and in particular in a small group before the conclusion to the physical training sessions: throughout the summer, I did a lot of muscle work, gradually building them up and now the idea is to go to the thalasso spa for relaxation exercises. The work on the boat is complete and she was relaunched on 11th September. We took her out the very next day. We managed to do everything to schedule!
What is your programme for the next few days before heading off to Les Sables d'Olonne?
I?m focusing on solo training: after the two training sessions in Port la For?t in mid-September and early October, I shall be sailing a little further afield. But we?ll soon be in the pre-start phase! I hope I don?t burst into tears like an old lady on the pontoon, when it?s time to cast off. Because I imagine it?s going to be very emotional. We?re leaving friends and family behind for three months. This is something new for me and the family. It?s going to be a very strange moment.
How in fact do you see the start of the Vend?e Globe?
Technically, we know there are going to be lots of people out on the water and there are already thirty of us lining up for the start! That?s a lot. If we have to tack, it would be better to be in front or otherwise we?ll need to remain very cautious, because in solo sailing in a confined space, these boats are not that easy to handle. We?re going to have to watch when we pass in front of each other. However, we?ll soon be out to sea and as the sound of the engines dies away, it will be much nicer.
In this round the world race, what for you is the most important aspect: time or space?
There are 24,000 miles to cover, which is something that is on my mind. Then, there is the weather that goes with it...The time spent at sea? I don?t know, because it is going to be the longest voyage of my career. I have never spent so much time alone, at sea or ashore. However, it?s going to be fascinating dealing with the weather patterns, which can be complicated and extremely difficult! The space doesn?t just mean the distance to cover. It is also what surrounds us, in other words principally the sea and the wind.
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