"Safe and efficient" sailing!

“Groupe Bel is sailing very well! I have had no worries since the start. I am trying to sail safely but efficiently!  I just caught something on the keel yesterday. It has probably removed a little of the antifouling (*), and I lost a little time over it. We'll check that out when I get back to Port Camargue. I am fairly happy with my course. I am making good headway in relation to the Transat B to B racers. I chose roughly the same option as François Gabart and I believe that it is the right one!”

How does it feel to be back sailing single-handed?

“It isn't always easy but it's very rewarding. Even though I'm on a delivery, I am trying to sail at the same pace as the Transat B to B racers. What is strange is that the stress of sailing single-handed, which inevitably is there, particularly at this time of year in the Atlantic, is not compensated for by the adrenaline of racing. Overall, I have found my pace. I try to sleep regularly so as not to lack too much sleep on the approach to Europe. The further we go, the greater the number of cargo ships and fishing boats. Even though there is the AIS** on board, you need to remain extremely vigilant.  It's good preparation. I'm taking advantage of every moment!”

Do you still learn things about Groupe Bel's behavior?

“Yes, I learn something new every day! This type of training really helps you cut your teeth, since after a year of sailing double-handed, you forget a few reflexes.  Here, you have to think of everything and anticipate faster, since when you're single-handed stupid mistakes happen much faster. The maneuvers last longer and these last few days, I have had plenty to do when it comes to changing sails, with fronts passing over and huge wind changes of over 30 knots. In fact, I still have some stacking to do this morning!  You have to experience all that. There's no room for improvisation.”

The Transat B to B racers are going to be facing very difficult wind conditions at sea as they approach the Bay of Biscay. What is the forecast for you further south?

“I am going to be spared the bad weather, since I will be on the edge of the front with the southwesterly wind which should help me sail very quickly down to Gibraltar.  However the weather data is not clear. I will have to play it close, since I could even find myself slowed down by an anticyclone, which is moving a lot at the moment. Anyway, I'll certainly be happy not to be in the Bay of Biscay with gusts of 60 knots! I hope that everything will go alright for the sailors and the boats. Since last night, I feel that we're beginning to change season. The water is still at 17°C, but it's raining, the sky is very heavy and this should continue to Portugal. The last routings have me at Gibraltar by Saturday.”


* Antifouling is a special paint used to prevent aquatic organisms from adhering to vessels' hulls.

** “Automatic Identification System” which helps locate boats