He wanted to see the South Seas, so he’s going to see the South Seas. Up close. Where they go wild. For more than 48 hours, the skipper Fives Group – Lantana Environnement has been sailing in the heart of the southern depressions. “It’s going great. Saturday was a beautiful day between two fronts. I did a lot of maneuvering, it was perfect. Friday we had 45 – 50 knots average for about 15 hours, with gusts. I was 3 ris tourmentin and I was not under canvas. It was a long time because I had to lock myself in the boat…
It was a big deal, but probably not the strongest one to expect in the coming days. I’m in great shape, everything is fine on board. I am well, there..." smiled Louis, reached yesterday by phone.
Since that night, the skipper Fives Group – Lantana Environnement is again racing in very muscular conditions, he was prepared for it as he explained yesterday afternoon: “A new depression is coming. We are already on the hot front: things are moving fast, the boat is accelerating well. The big one will be for very early Monday morning. It is planned strong enough but not long: the sea may not have time to rise. There will be 35 nds file so same conditions as the other day (45 – 50 knots average with gusts, ed). I’ll pack it up as we go through the front and we’ll be in the rough. But it should go pretty fast, in the day.”
I’ll adapt
We talked about a "depression train": Louis did indeed embark in it because another big, very big whirlwind and huge swell is expected on the road of skipper Normand this week: “The next depression is more violent and of a larger scale so it will rise from the sea. In fact, now I look at the winds, but especially the sea: that’s what is dangerous. I put myself limits of wave height: that’s where it will play out.
We have to see how this system will evolve. There is still some uncertainty about how to negotiate it. Either, I dive in to avoid the big of the front as did Charlie Dalin and Sébastien Simon. Either I keep the possibility of going north if necessary. The trade-off between the shortest and safest route will have to be found. I will adapt,” explained the most calmly Norman in the world.
No trouble
“I’ve got the boat ready, there’s nothing hanging out. Everything is in order. There are the right sails on the post, everything is ready. No worries on board energy (hydrogenerator, solar panels, engine), everything works well. On the deck everything is ok. Rigging, no confusion. Everything is going well.
I’m in good shape. I slept well on Saturday. I pulled out the feather down, wool socks, even tested the heating yesterday. I’m fine right now!"
Surf over the Crozet Islands
At 7 am on Monday morning, the Imoca Fives Group – Lantana Environnement is in 21st position, thanks to its very southern route, more direct it is 2nd of the drifting boats, but this ranking does not make much sense, as long as the trajectories of each are radically different.
Last weekend, Louis doubled their north to the islands of Marion and Prince Edward. It will soon cross the latitude of the Crozet archipelago with its island of pigs, the islet of the apostles, the dome of the sea lions, the channel of the orcs, mount Marion-Dufresne… To your maps and history books!
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