Vendée Globe - Three questions for Yann Eliès

by Olivier Bourbon / M&M on 29 Oct 2016 Eight years ago, for his first Vendée Globe, Yann Eliès had a huge scare, fearing for his life after breaking his femur in the Southern Ocean. Three wins later in the Solitaire du Figaro among other successes and Yann is back and in great shape.

What did you learn from your first attempt at the Vendée Globe, both in terms of the final preparation in Les Sables and the race itself?

“During the three weeks in Les Sables d’Olonne, the spotlight is on us. There is the danger of thinking you’re someone you’re not, of getting carried away and becoming a big head. But at that point it’s worth telling yourself that you haven’t done anything. You haven’t completed the Vendée Globe. We’re just sailors aiming to complete the non-stop solo race around the world. It’s only when we get back that we can raise our hands in the air. As for the race itself, my first attempt taught me that I needed to be even more cautious than I thought was necessary. You can’t take hasty decisions. When I had my accident, I was worn out and not thinking straight because I was so tired. I was responsible for what happened, which is reassuring, in fact. Since then, I try not to get led astray by the competition.”

I suppose a lot of people have been talking to you about that accident back in 2008?

“Yes, especially journalists. That accident is part of my past and the history of the Vendée Globe. I’m not wiping it from my mind. But in my daily life as a sailor, it’s behind me now. I’m not here to get revenge for what happened. I’m here because I want to do well.”

What in fact are your goals? Are you aiming for the podium?

“Yes, but because I am someone, who is cautious, I’d say third place. Armel Le Cléac’h and Sébastien Josse are the two favourites in my opinion and they stand out. Behind them, there is Jérémie Beyou and Vincent Riou, followed by Jean-Pierre Dick, Alex Thomson and Morgan Lagravière. I see myself just behind them. My boat was launched ten years ago and doesn’t have foils. But she is reliable and a good all-rounder. Finishing the Vendée Globe would make me proud. I’d be quite happy with that.”