Three training courses in Port-la-Forêt before start of Vendée Globe

by Olivier Bourbon / M&M on 19 Aug 2016 Between late August and early October, the members of the Finistère Offshore Training Centre in Port-la-Forêt will attend three training courses. These four-day sessions will enable them to see how they measure up before the start of the Vendée Globe on 6th November.

Eight top class sailors are concerned. They are Jérémie Beyou, Jean-Pierre Dick, Yann Eliès, Sébastien Josse, Morgan Lagravière, Armel Le Cléac’h, Paul Meilhat and Vincent Riou. They are coming together to unite their efforts in preparing for the race. The method used in these training courses since 2000 for the IMOCA 60s has certainly proved itself, as the Finistère training centre worked alongside the last four winners of the Vendée Globe…

What do the following sailors have in common? Michel Desjoyeaux, Vincent Riou and François Gabart. They have all won the Vendée Globe (Desjoyeaux in 2000-2001 and 2008-2009, Riou in 2004-2005, and Gabart in 2012-2013). But to prepare for these wins, they all also trained at the Finistère offshore training centre. Consequently, the Centre has not missed out on victory since it began organising courses for the IMOCA 60s in Port-la-Forêt (SW Brittany).

Looking at the achievements of those currently at the Centre, we can well imagine that this will continue… Some are already faithful Vendée Globe racers (Jérémie Beyou, Jean-Pierre Dick, Yann Eliès, Sébastien Josse, Armel Le Cléac’h and Vincent Riou), while others are promising and talented rookies (Morgan Lagravière and Paul Meilhat).

Condensed extracts from the Vendée Globe
The job of the Finistère offshore training centre involves some training courses, where the members always learn a lot. Three are scheduled before the start of the next Vendée Globe. The first will take place from 30th August to 2nd September, the second from 20th to 23rd September and the last one from fourth to October 7th. The programme for the first two courses is similar. A coastal run to start, then a day to debrief and finally a long sail lasting between 24 and 30 hours. However, for the October course, there won’t be any night race, but simply coastal runs. With a lot of work on the start phase, as the Vendée Globe will begin just a month later.

“The aim of each training session is to offer a condensed version of the Vendée Globe in a short space of time, where they are able to see all the problems they will encounter in the solo round the world race: performance, looking after the gear, battling it out with others,” explained Christian Le Pape, head of the Finistère centre. “It is an intensive format, which is explosive, and requires commitment, as the aim is to pile the pressure on the sailor and their boat, while ensuring that everything comes naturally. If you want to compare it to running, it is a bit like doing short races to prepare for a marathon. The skippers at the centre are all born competitors and never ease off when sailing. But for me, a good training course is one, where there are no injuries or serious damage.”

“Working together to raise the level”
The final training courses before the Vendée Globe tend to be tense affairs. The various skippers know they are looking at serious problems that they will probably have to deal with during the solo round the world race… On the other hand, pushing the boats hard before the big day and identifying any technical problems also means they can avoid being surprised when out there racing. Fighting it out and talking things through is also useful for other reasons.

“The philosophy of the Finistère offshore racing training centre is to bring together the best, get them working together and therefore raise the overall level,” stressed Christian Le Pape. “By getting in plenty of sailing and with eight sailing together, you are bound to advance more quickly than if you work alone in your corner. These talks also enable the IMOCA class in general to make progress. Our group can put forward carefully thought out and well-presented arguments.”

If we ask him whether one of his racers will win the next Vendée Globe, Christian Le Pape remains optimistic. “If I didn’t believe in that, I wouldn’t be doing this job! On paper, the skippers at the centre are the best and the favourites, even if we should watch out for Alex Thomson. Alex has got the talent, experience, and a very good boat. But he hasn’t done as much training as our members in real conditions, coming up against his rivals and emulating them.

Since the 2000-2001 Vendée Globe, we have been down to greet the winning boat four times off Les Sables d’Olonne. The welcome in the harbour entrance channel is always a magic moment. I never grow tired of it. These are moments of sheer joy and I’m ready to sign up again to experience that once more.”