MANU COUSIN: « IT WILL BE A VERY DEMANDING RACE »

HOW ARE YOU APPROACHING A RACE THAT IS SO DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER? 

It’s true that the Vendée Arctique is a very unique race ( Vendée Globe). One advantage I have is that this will be my third participation. During the first edition, I reached the northernmost point of the course, while the second was particularly difficult because of the extreme conditions we encountered. I’m hoping for more manageable weather next week so that we can enjoy ourselves and have a proper battle on the racecourse.

THIS IS A RACE WHERE YOU DON’T FOLLOW LOW-PRESSURE SYSTEMS — YOU CROSS THEM SIDEWAYS. WHAT DOES THAT CHANGE?

That will be one of the key challenges of this race. Our boats are primarily designed to perform downwind, with the wind coming from behind. Here, we’ll be crossing Atlantic depressions from west to east, meaning the wind will often be on the beam or even ahead of us. The sea state becomes much tougher, and that’s what makes the race so demanding. We’ll also be sailing further north than we go south during the Vendée Globe, so it will be a very demanding race.

« WE MAY EVEN SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS »

THE COURSE IS OPEN. WHEN WILL YOU DECIDE ON YOUR ROUTE?

We’ll be free to cross the Arctic Circle wherever we choose, which is what makes this race so unique and distinctive. It’s the first time we’ve ever been asked to do something like this. The decision hasn’t been made yet, but I think I’ll already have a fairly clear idea one or two days before the start. After that, there will still be time to change plans until we reach Ireland, especially if there’s a sudden shift in the weather forecast.

YOU’VE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DAYS WITHOUT DARKNESS…

Yes, I experienced it in the Southern Ocean. I also experienced it in the north during the first Vendée Arctique. This time, we’ll genuinely have no night at all and will experience the midnight sun. We may even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. That’s something really special because it’s so rare. I was fortunate enough to witness the Southern Lights once in the Southern Ocean. Hopefully, we’ll be able to share photos and videos of the Northern Lights with you this time!

DOES STARTING AND FINISHING IN LES SABLES D’OLONNE ADD AN EXTRA DIMENSION TO THE RACE?

Absolutely. It’s a little bit like a mini remake of the Vendée Globe. It’s a pontoon we know well, a channel we love sailing through… It will bring back some incredible memories. And for us, Les Sables d’Olonne is home, so it’s especially enjoyable.

YOU’VE ALREADY COMPLETED TWO VENDÉE GLOBES AND TAKEN PART IN SOME OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS RACES IN THE SPORT. WHAT CONTINUES TO MOTIVATE YOU?

My motivation comes from passion. I’m passionate about these races, these incredible boats, sport and pushing myself beyond my limits. I feel as though it’s my entire life and I know how fortunate I am to have turned that passion into a profession. I simply can’t imagine that one day it might come to an end. As long as I still have the physical strength and the ability to carry this project forward, I’ll keep going.

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