Off the Brazilian horn, the fleet head of the Imoca drifting battle always at daggers drawn. The skipper Fives Group – Lantana Environnement is looking very closely at the weather files: the situation is particularly complex and uncertain for the days to come. But he knows how to savour every moment of his world tour… The Commission is also anxious to see whether it will soon be able to make a start in the southern seas.
Today, it’s Louis who tells you about his race…
In top form!
“After 2 weeks of running I feel in top shape, I have taken a good pace, I can rest well…
Apart from the heat (for a Norman it’s hard to bear, but it gets better and better), it’s paradise: we go fast and straight, in the sun! Birds have been following me for a few days… In the evening, the sky is tinged with beautiful colors. I always have a moment of fun watching the sunset while drinking my tea… it’s great!”
When sailors meet…
“Since Fernando do Norhona, there have been many cargo ships and fishermen: we must be vigilant. A cargo ship called me to see if I needed anything! That was really nice of him.
Before the doldrums, some young people on a cruise called me too. We talked for a while: it was fun and very nice! In the end they all shouted to encourage me!"
Fast
“I try to keep a good pace. I have a decent speed and that’s good news. It makes sense compared to others
I am disappointed with the way out of the doldrums. It was played a few hours: in front, the foilers positioned to the west like us passed like flowers. But the door closed right in front of us, while it was slipping to the east. It’s part of the random game in this area.”
A tightening of the fleet?
“What’s coming is complicated, I can’t figure out how it will be organized for us, as well as for those in the east.
The small depression that takes all the foilers (they will have fun at more than 20 knots to South Africa) will suck the wind behind it. So it’s going to be complicated and slow for us. The exit door is very narrow. This will perhaps generate a tightening of the fleet of drifting boats?
Nothing is certain, except that it will not be fast…”
The call of cold, of great swell…
“I’m on my way. My goal is to optimize my trajectory and we will count the points after. I’ll work the weather files well, do the best with what we have.
The important thing is that we get closer to the South Seas! I can’t wait to be there! I will soon leave the known latitudes to dive into the unknown: in a week I will be almost there. I can’t wait!”
A respectuous and circular sporting event
The Fives IMOCA is an "upcycled" boat. Thanks to Louis, it lives a 2nd life!
Louis and his team gave a new life to a very damaged IMOCA because of a fire. This refurbishment undertaking was a real technical challenge... that succeeded in only 10 months!
Louis and his team continue to apply this upcycling principle and optimization research with a constant effort on sobriety throughout this Vendée Globe program.
Louis is also very keen on respecting everyone's work and giving a chance.
The Fives Group, a major partner in this Vendée Globe program, has been seduced by such commitment and values, as it shares the same values and responsibilities.
Fives, your partner for a more virtuous industry
For over 200 years, the Group has designed the breakthrough solutions and technologies that make industry what it is. From the first railways to the Eiffel Tower, through the spatial conquest, Fives always spearheaded the industry of the future. Pioneering decarbonization, the Group is an unconditional partner of the industry's energy transition. Through digitization, the promotion of a circular economy and the development of new processes and new energy sources, Fives puts its technological leadership to its customers' service.
www.fivesgroup.com