The skippers have become pioneers. For the first time, IMOCA sailors will head towards the North Pole and, for the first time, a race will not be based on a prescribed route. Their only mission in this third edition of the Vendée Arctique – Les Sables d’Olonne? Cross the Arctic Circle at the latitude of their choice and return to Les Sables d’Olonne as quickly as possible.
« WE’LL NEED TO BE CREATIVE »
« We enjoy a challenge and this one is far from ordinary », says Sam Goodchild (Macif). « What’s great about this race is that there isn’t really a race course », smiles Nico d’Estais (Café Joyeux). « We’re going further north (66°N) than Cape Horn is south (57°S) », jokes Arnaud Boissières (April Marine – seeking co-partner). « There will be opportunities both on the way out and on the way back, and we’ll need to be creative », adds Ambrogio Beccaria (Allagrande Mapei). Weather conditions will dictate the strategic choices. « One thing is certain: there are plenty of possible options, including passing Iceland either to the east or to the west », adds Corentin Horeau (MACSF).
GOODCHILD LEADS THE BILLING
Sam Goodchild (Macif), heads into the race wearing the mantle of favourite. The skipper continues to impress with his consistency, having won the Course des Caps, The Ocean Race Europe (with Biotherm) last year and the opening race of the season, the 1000 Race, three weeks ago. « I’m lucky to be surrounded by a great team, which allows me to approach every start with confidence and enjoyment », says Sam.
There will, however, be no shortage of contenders for victory and the leading positions. Ambrogio Beccaria (Allagrande Mapei) has taken over the helm of Thomas Ruyant’s former Vulnerable. After a learning season alongside the sailor from northern France — finishing second in The Ocean Race Europe and fourth in the Transat Café L’Or — the Italian, who was so dominant during his Class40 years, remains cautious : « We completely transformed the boat during the refit before relaunching her recently. The objective is to reach the finish without damaging her ».
A HOST OF OUTSIDERS
Élodie Bonafous is continuing her apprenticeship aboard Association Petits Princes – Quéguiner, the sistership to Macif, built from the same moulds. Since joining the IMOCA class, she has claimed a victory (Rolex Fastnet Race), a podium finish (second in the Course des Caps) and established herself as an outsider at every event. « It’s been a fast-track learning experience, » explains Elodie. « This will be a long race, all about endurance and managing your pace. It’s going to be intense! »
Aboard MACSF, the former Paprec Arkéa, runner-up in the Vendée Globe, Corentin Horeau is also continuing his rise through the ranks. After spending a year alongside Yoann Richomme, he made his mark with second place in the 1000 Race. « On the road to the Vendée Globe 2028, there’s this Vendée Arctique, » Corentin reminds us. « We’ll need to sail well, make good decisions and do everything possible to be faster than the others! »
Violette Dorange (Initiatives-Cœur) finished third in the 1000 Race. After a season sailing alongside Sam Davies, the young skipper continues to make significant progress. « For the Vendée Arctique, I’m going to give myself every opportunity to deliver the best race possible », smiles Violette. Attention should also be paid to Francesca Clapcich (11th Hour Racing), who continues her apprenticeship in solo racing after impressing with a podium finish in the Transat Café L’Or (second with Will Harris). « I’m really looking forward to competing in the Vendée Arctique » says the Italian-American skipper. « From a strategy and tactics perspective, it’s going to be a very innovative and fascinating format. ».
« WE’RE STARTING A NEW CHAPTER »
Arnaud Boissières (April Marine – seeking co-partner), the record holder for Vendée Globe participations with five starts, has taken over Benjamin Dutreux’s former Guyot Environnement. « With the Vendée Arctique, we’re starting a new chapter with a new challenge, and that’s incredibly exciting », explains Arnaud. He will also have the opportunity to see his former boat, La Mie Câline, now renamed Coup de Pouce and sailed by Manuel Cousin. After two Vendée Globe campaigns, Manu will contest his first race aboard a foiling IMOCA. « We’ve carried out major work, he says after installing the second foil yesterday. It’s been a big commitment, but we’ll be ready for the start! »
Finally, there will be only one non-foiling IMOCA on the start line, sailed by Nico d’Estais (Café Joyeux). « I don’t have the fastest boat in the fleet, but I’d love to manage to finish ahead of one or two boats », says Nico before adding : « I don’t set myself any limits ! » Like Nico, the entire fleet is ready to embrace this challenge and throw itself into what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Bring on the race north!
