Arnaud Boissières: “The channel passage is always an emotional moment.”

Can this Vendée Arctique be compared to previous editions?

Not really at all (laughs)! The course is completely different, and we know that the sea and the ocean always have a way of showing us something new every time we sail. So this edition is bound to be very different. What makes it unique is that once we’ve crossed the Arctic Circle, we can tack whenever and wherever we want. Reaching Ireland is already challenging enough—this time, we’re going even farther north!

Do you like this “open” course format?

What I like in life is originality. And this race definitely has that, so it’s perfect! I’m not saying it will be easy—quite the opposite—but it’s a fantastic challenge. We’ll be catching the low-pressure systems farther north, which means sailing on a beam reach. Both the wind and the sea state will be coming from the side. Even though our boats are built to sail around the world, we generally try to avoid those conditions. This time, we won’t have a choice! We’ll have to find the right balance between pushing the boat hard and looking after it.

You’ll also be dealing with days that never get dark…

I’ve experienced that a few times before, and it’s really unusual. You have to make yourself rest at some point. It sounds easy, but in fact it’s almost harder. It reminds me of that film with Al Pacino set in Alaska, Insomnia, where his character struggled with the constant daylight. I’m not Al Pacino, but I know it’s going to be tough! I’ve set up a small chart to keep track of my sleep periods, I’ve packed a sleep mask, and I know that eating properly will also be important. 

Is there something special about starting and finishing in Les Sables d’Olonne, the home port of the Vendée Globe and the place where you live every day?

Yes, it’s great! I live just 600 metres from the race village. I came down this weekend with my wife and son. It’s nice to alternate the Vendée Globe with races like this. The public always turns out in force, both in the village and along the pontoons. And of course, there’s always a special feeling when you sail down the channel at the start of a race. We know there’ll be a big crowd on Sunday, and I see that as an extra boost of motivation.

What keeps your motivation as strong as ever after all these years?

There’s no secret — it’s simply passion! What drives me is racing boats and being out on the water. I love sailing, and I enjoy it even more aboard an IMOCA. To me, there’s nothing more beautiful than sailing solo around the world and preparing for that challenge.

Finally, can you describe what it feels like to sail an IMOCA offshore?

It feels like being at the top of a roller coaster. Suddenly, you’re charging down the waves as if you were on a giant fairground ride. Most of the time, you’re in control, but sometimes you’re not. And those are the moments when it becomes incredibly fun: they make you wonder just how far these boats can go, and how far you’re capable of pushing them. It’s a mix of fear, anticipation, excitement and adrenaline — but above all, it’s an extraordinary source of pleasure.