French sailor Jérôme M. is the 34th entry in the Global Solo Challenge

French skipper Jérôme M © Global Solo Challenge

French skipper Jérôme has already set his eyes on the boat he thinks has the characteristics for taking part in the Global Solo Challenge, but viewing and purchasing the boat has been much delayed by Covid related travel restrictions.

At this stage he wishes to be known only by his first name, however, he wanted to make the first personal step towards his commitment to be on the starting line of this event by registering as a Full Entry to give him focus towards his goal. Jérôme views this as a magnificent opportunity to live an extraordinary, unique adventure. Organisers are delighted to welcome him as the 34th entry in the GSC, 10th among the French skippers and can anticipate a further French Full Entry, sailing a Class40, is due to be announced later this week.

With the summer break over and people returning to their jobs daily lives, it appears that planning such an incredible challenge is stimulating the imagination of many. The number of enquiries and entries in the Global Solo Challenge has had a further acceleration since the beginning of September, even beyond all optimistic expectations, in a steady crescendo that is accompanying this first edition of the event in its journey to La Coruña in September 2023.

Interview

Where does your passion for sailing come from?

I didn't grow up among sailors or lovers of the sea. Sailing and long journeys are a childhood dream that I nurtured from afar and many years before I could touch it with my finger. A platonic love that materialized at the age of 30 and changed my life...

What lessons have you learnt from sailing?

My first lessons came very quickly... I had to trade a little of my carelessness for more rigor and a lot of arrogance for more humility. Sailing taught me a lot about myself and gave me a different outlook on the world.

What brought you to like single-handed sailing?

I started by sailing solo the day I finally got my first boat, I packed everything and left, alone.

What prompted you to sign up for this event?

Aside from the race, I see it above all as a personal challenge. It is a magnificent opportunity to live an extraordinary, unique adventure.

How do you plan to prepare for this event?

Lots to prepare! Not yet made an exhaustive list... This will of course require the proper preparation of the boat, I will have to train on navigation in a hostile environment and try to anticipate as much as possible any problems that may arise.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge?

Reach the finish line without too much damage!

Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.

For some time now I have had a boat in mind that would match the profile I am looking for. But due to the travel restrictions caused by Covid I have not yet been able to finalize the purchase.

About the boat: TBA