The skipper Fives Group – Lantana Environnement negotiated a new very violent depression yesterday. He made the right choices of route and combination of sails to pass without damage in this storm: “It shook quite a lot” summarizes soberly. Up to 50 knots in very hard sea. But everything is fine on board: it is where he wanted to be at the strategic level and without any breakage to deplore. “I’m on my way, as safe as possible for the equipment. I’m not looking at the rankings right now.”
Louis, however, never misses an opportunity to admire the hostile splendor of the southern seas.
“I’ve had as many as 50 knots, and often 45 knots. With 3 laughs and the torment, it was enough! The wind is one thing, but the sea is really formed and the boat goes in any way. It really takes the canvas of time, or even being a little under canvas for it to pass.
I think the sea is no better north, track worse. I chose this southern route for that, for the moments like yesterday when we can go and choose, because we are at the beginning of the formation of the depression, the areas with less sea. That’s what I went to look for yesterday.”
Everything is perfect!
With these precautions in mind, Louis had no breakage on board. And the Normand could breathe a little: “there are only 30 knots left!”
The wind will gradually soften to a ridge (no wind zone between two depressions), expected on Saturday. He will take advantage of this in-between to repair a small repair on his little gennaker, “I would probably need it quickly."
Then, well the next wagon arrives: a new depression that rolls from west to east around Antarctica...
It’s getting cold fast
After yesterday’s grey, Louis is enjoying a beautiful blue sky, enough to warm up a little: “I’m fine, but it starts to curdle a bit! It’s 7°C, the water is 9°C: it’s wet, we get cold quickly. Today, the weather is nice, it’s better right away... But as soon as the temperatures drop I am happy to put a little heat to dry the down and the boat.”
Immediate consequence of the cold, numbness during maneuvers… “Outside, when manoeuvring, the slightest mistake can lead to serious breakage. You have to be very attentive.”
The ranking?
Step by step, then. And the ranking in all this? "I don’t give a damn! I’m not looking at him anymore. I’m on my way. I navigate at my own pace to preserve the material. Often I’m not very fast, it’s usually voluntary to not pull too much on the boat.”
How about these southern seas?
“It’s active, violent, hostile, very impressive…but after a maneuver I sometimes stand in awe of it – it’s exceptional! Beautiful.”
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