At 7AM this Tuesday morning, the Imoca Fives Group - Lantana Environnement is only 260 miles (480 km) from Cape Horn. Around midnight tonight, Louis should become a "Cap-Horn-er"! A dream, a holy grail… a moment that will remain etched in his memory as a sailor for life.
But let’s not anticipate. He will tell us about it tomorrow. It’s time to concentrate on board the Imoca: since yesterday morning, weather conditions are (finally) difficult. Very difficult even.
“I have 30 - 35 knots, it will get stronger”, announced Louis yesterday afternoon. “I am under J3 (small sail) with 2 reefs in the mainsail, in a few hours I will pass under torment, when I would be sure to stay ahead of the front.”
A low pressure system will accompany the skipper Normand and his companions in the Vendée Globe until their return to the Atlantic. There, their paths will separate: the immense whirlwind will continue to turn around Antarctica, while the solitaries will head north towards light, heat…
But let’s not anticipate… It is still 6°C on board the Imoca Fives Group – Lantana Environnement, he is currently putting his skates on, due east, at 17 - 20 knots average for 24 hours, in the Roaring Forties, racing against the low pressure front… And, in these countries, it is better not to lose!
The Norman should pass Cape Horn around midnight (French time) tonight, he will be 8PM in Tierra del Fuego. But let’s not anticipate… Look forward to tomorrow!
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