2nd day of racing. The start seems so far away already... It’s time for competition. Emotions and memories were quickly put aside. It’s time to bring them out next spring, like 10 or 20 years from now— It is Tuesday morning, November 12, 2024, and the fleet of Imoca Vendée Globe battle off Galicia.
This night, the skipper Fives Group – Lantana Environnement and his fellow racers carefully rolled up the rocky Spanish cape. The shoals, its intense maritime traffic and proximity to the coast are all dangers that Louis tackled as a good sailor, especially since the wind strengthened significantly last night: “I slouched the big spi, rolled out the big gennaker: the boat is in a reasonable configuration for the night. All that’s left is to wait for the wind to come in...,” wrote Louis last night. “The night’s program: a little maneuvering, the day before and maybe some naps.”
The experience
The Norman knows how to preserve mount and man. The very first night of this Vendée Globe had indeed been white because of the proximity of other competitors and the manoeuvres to follow to get well placed. The race is just beginning, no question of «getting in the red» right now.
The skipper Fives Group – Lantana Environnement has thousands of miles to his credit alone. He knows his rhythm and the limits not to cross. A valuable experience to approach a world tour.
Second in the dinghy, fighting
At 7 am this morning, Louis is in 12th position, 2nd of the Imoca dinghies, side by side with Conrad Colman (MS Amelin) and followed by Sébastien Marsset (Foussier). These three headed offshore for a stronger breeze, while Benjamin Ferré (Monnoyeur – Duo for a job) and Jean Le Cam (Tout commence en Finistère) favoured a route closer to the orthodrome and less windy. This top 5 of the dinghy boats is held in 25 miles (50 km): a stimulating tactical and technical regatta is already engaged between them!
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