RICHOMME, BEYOU, SIMON, DUTREUX, SOREL… THEY TELL THE STORY OF THE VENDÉE ARCTIQUE

YOANN RICHOMME: « A CRAZY CHALLENGE » 
PAPREC skipper, runner-up in the last Vendée Globe

« It’s a crazy challenge to want to reach the Arctic Circle in an IMOCA. It’s a fairly bold undertaking, made even more complicated by the fact that the course crosses the path of the low-pressure systems that sweep across the North Atlantic. At this time of year, those systems are more likely to end up over the British Isles than mainland Europe. In short, the sailors are almost certain to have to face some very demanding conditions. There will also be light airs and transition zones, so it will be a very complete test. Most skipper-IMOCA combinations are still relatively young, so it will be a good opportunity to measure themselves against tougher conditions. They will need to take great care of their boats, especially as they will be sailing through very isolated areas, much like certain sections of the Vendée Globe. Many of them will discover what a foiling IMOCA is like in storm conditions. That will give each of them valuable experience for the future. »  

JÉRÉMIE BEYOU:  « A RACE THAT DEMANDS GREAT VERSATILITY » CHARAL skipper, fourth in the last Vendée Globe, winner of the 2020 Vendée Arctique and runner-up in the 2022 Vendée Arctique
 

« This is a very particular race, quite different from a transatlantic race. Rather than heading towards weather systems coming from the west, competitors will mostly have to cross them without being able to adapt their routes very much. As a result, you are more exposed to the weather systems than you are able to avoid them. The Vendée Arctique is a race where weather conditions vary enormously. It demands great versatility and very precise weather management. It can also be a long race, making it a superb challenge for the solo sailor. Whoever wins will undoubtedly be a very complete sailor. During the previous two editions, there were some great battles with Charlie Dalin and Thomas Ruyant. These are tough races for talented racers and highly experienced sailors. It will be great to see who comes out on top this year!» 

BENJAMIN DUTREUX: « IT MAKES YOU WANT TO BE BOLD! »
4CAD – EOLE PERFORMANCE skipper, ninth in the 2020–2021 Vendée Globe, eleventh in the 2022 Vendée Arctique

« The Vendée Arctique captures the true spirit of adventure of the Vendée Globe. Except this time, you’re heading north! My strongest memory of the last edition is that it wasn’t the sailors who dictated the race, but the weather. You have to be ready to deal with the unexpected. What struck me most in the north was the speed at which weather systems move, much faster than what we are normally used to facing. The cold air is dense and everything up there feels more intense. Twenty knots of wind feels like thirty knots up there! I think it’s incredible that the skippers get to choose their own routes. It’s innovative and you never know what to expect. If I were taking part, I think this race format would make me want to be bold, daring and a little bit cunning! » 

SÉBASTIEN SIMON: « IT’S NOT JUST A RACE »  
GROUPE DUBREUIL skipper, third in the last Vendée Globe

« Obviously, it’s a race that makes you want to be involved, especially as it starts from home! I can’t wait to see how the race unfolds. There is a strong chance that they will encounter low-pressure systems on their route and I’m curious to see whether the fleet spreads out or stays together. They will experience a wide variety of points of sail and have plenty of transitions to manage. Whatever happens, it’s always great to see a major event starting here in Les Sables d’Olonne! There is a race village that attracts plenty of visitors and friends have told me about the magnificent drone show that took place last weekend. It’s not just a race, it’s also a very high-quality event. I’m sure the Vendée Arctique will continue to grow, appeal to more and more people and enjoy a bright future! » 

MAXIME SOREL: « DEALING WITH EVERY KIND OF CONDITION »
LE DRAGON skipper, eleventh in the first Vendée Arctique (2020), tenth in the 2020 Vendée Globe

« I remember the first edition in 2020 very clearly. The circumstances were unusual: we had just come out of the first lockdown and I had done very little sailing. Looking back, it seems crazy to have started such a race with so little preparation. At the same time, we were especially excited to be racing again. It was a surprising edition. There was no race village, the start took place very discreetly and the finish did not happen as planned (because of the weather conditions, the race was stopped off Iceland). I remember having to deal with every kind of condition imaginable. I used my entire sail wardrobe and it proved to be excellent preparation for the Vendée Globe, which we raced a few months later. And given the circumstances at the time, we were simply delighted to be back out on the water! »