About The skipper
FRA
Nationality
Lives: Bandol, France
Miles sailed: 100,000+
Group: TBA
Status: Full Entry
Where does your passion for sailing come from?
I have always been attracted by the sea. I received my first rowing dinghy at 5, my first sailing dinghy at 10 and at 14 I convinced my parents who were not sailors to buy a 27′ cruiser that I will skipper and my father will crew. Everyone was happy so we move to a 34′. First regattas but I was attracted by the open sea. We discover the fantastic Atoms wind vane that has allowed us to trans Mediterranean at 18.
What lessons have you learnt from sailing?
That the sea will always win, so to plan for my passage with humility using more sense that brash. That boats are expensive so you have to work hard to get one and you’d better care for it.
What brought you to like single-handed sailing?
In 1983 I had brought my Contest 29′ in Cowes in order to participate to the Cowes-Deauville race the next week end. But my step father died this same week and when I could get back to Cowes I had no crew available, that was my first singlehanded passage, as I still had an Atoms! First solo Atlantic crossing in 1995.
What prompted you to sign up for this event?
I am just back from a 124 days solo return trip to Cape Horn. Originally planned to be a 3 capes non stop RTW but plans were changed due to a delayed departure in the season, 15 december. Superb trip!
How do you plan to prepare for this event?
I am ready with this boat but if I change I’ll have to learn and prepare the new one.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
The weather, mainly the sea state. My personal challenge will be to abandon the 5.80 Class Mini Globe Race 2024 and to convince my family.
Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.
Michaella a HR 53 is a good boat ready to do it again. She is my 25th boat, I have been much of a multihull man. I’d like now to get a pilot house arrangement and a faster boat capable of planing when running. [New Boat: Hamble 50 Whisper Michaella]
Do you intend to link this personal challenge with a social message?
Yes when I’ll find the proper message to carry it will be centered on bringing people to the sea.
Sailing experience
One winter season HMCC racing in 1976 that confirmed me that I was made for blue water not can racing.
About The Boat
Sail Number: TBA
Boat design: Hamble 50 Custom
Year built: 1998
Group: TBA
LOA: 50
Upwind sail area: 100 sqm
Downwind sail area: 250 sqm
Displacement: 14,500 kgs