But what an incredible party! The people in charge of the port of Les Sables d'Olonne had never seen such a crowd along the channel used by the 40 solo sailors competing in the Vendée Globe. Some had gone all night to be in the front row of course, but also, above all, so that the party was longer, stronger, more beautiful.
The skipper of the Imoca Fives Group – Lantana Environnement also had his share of emotions yesterday morning… After media interviews at the top of the pontoon where we must look good, place a last good word, assure his voice and chase away the moisture that rises to the corner of the eyes, he found his boat, his team. Marie Tabarly and Catherine Chabaud were there too: "impossible not to come and wish her a beautiful world tour!".
Exceptional
At 9:00 sharp, the skipper Normand left the pontoon race of the Vendée Globe. For the first time in his life, he was not at the helm of his boat. Letting yourself be carried away by this exceptional moment. Not without humor of course "I will still get my moorings to do something!"
His family was waiting for him a little further, for a happy surprise fanfare! And it was the channel, the famous: Louis, alone at the front of his boat acclaimed and encouraged by his thousands of enthusiasts. An instant out of time that he will probably never forget.
Calm down
10.30 am, return to the calm off Port Olona. Salutary. At his map table, the skipper Fives Group – Lantana Environnement immersed himself in his weather maps: reconnect with the race, try to clear the air. Do not let yourself be carried away by emotions, while living fully in the present moment.
The beginning of history…
Miranda Merron, Halvard Mabire and Louis Guimard arrive. The 2024 Vendée Globe, the very first of Louis and his partners, was about to begin…
At 13:02, very slowly due to a lack of wind, the fleet of 40 Imoca set off on its 24,400-mile (45,000 km) circumnavigation. The breeze rose in the evening and the regatta could begin.
2nd of the dinghies
After this beautiful first night of racing, Louis played the placements finely and points this morning in 11th position, 2nd of the boats with drifts. The fleet is still moving in a very grouped way in the heart of the Bay of Biscay and the solitaires are chaining gybes (change of amure when the wind comes from the back of the boat), heading towards the Spanish point that Louis should double next night.
This Vendée Globe is well and truly on its way. After years of thinking about it, preparing for it, we are there. At sea and on land, it’s likely to take a little longer to realize…
It’s your race as much as mine!
Before leaving, Louis wanted to wish you all a nice race!
Louis Duc: "The last day on land is over, I confess that it is a torment that ends! Even if I love all the people who were kind enough to come and see me, I thank them very much but the pressure is starting to rise.
It’s not the stress of the race because we’re going in great weather. We could not have asked for better: it will be both comfortable and safe, since we will be at the door and with strategic play. It is really extraordinary!
The day of departure remains, which will be extremely difficult, especially because of the emotion, with this channel… the approach to the starting line…
Then it will be a beautiful release!
I would like to take this opportunity today to thank all the people who made it possible for us to be here: the 150 lenders, all our partners, Fives Group, Lantana Environnement, and everyone else. To all: it is your race as much as mine!”
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