Quentin Vlamynck relieved and ready to go in the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe
by Arkema Sport 8 Nov 2022 14:23 UTC
9 November 2022
Quentin Vlamynck - Arkema Ocean Fifty © Arnaud Pilpré / #RDR2022
The delayed start of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe will finally take place tomorrow, Wednesday 9 November at 2:15pm from Saint-Malo.
Relieved that the start of the race had been postponed, Quentin Vlamynck has remained focused over these extra three days on land, surrounded by his team and his partner Arkema. The young 30-year old skipper is now fit and ready to tackle his first solo Atlantic crossing in an Ocean Fifty.
Interview:
Quentin, what was your reaction when the start of the race was postponed?
"It was a huge relief for all of us! We really had no idea how we would handle the start without damaging our boats, and we had already made several plans to seek a safe shelter. Sailing on an Ocean Fifty in 50 knot winds and 6 m swells would have been truly treacherous. I'm now in competition mode, whereas 48 hours ago I would have been in survival mode."
How did you keep busy during these three days in Saint-Malo?
"I had a lot of rest and we spent an unexpected weekend with my partner Arkema and the many employees who were there to watch the start. In the end, they had a chance to get close to the boat and chat with the technical team. We were able to give them a lot more time than initially planned. I spent Saturday evening with managers from Arkema's French facilities. It was great because normally, the day before the start of a race, I'm always on the go and can't spend much time with people. On Sunday, they were able to board a boat chartered for the occasion for a trip and lunch out at sea. Everyone delighted in a weekend that was turned upside down yet so enjoyable!"
What does the weather forecast look like now?
"The weather forecast is much more promising! We should be able to sail out of the English Channel windward in 15-20 knot winds, tacking nicely. As we pass the island of Ushant, we'll need to make a strategic choice: either directly head west, or head southwest to sail through the Chenal du Four and the Raz de Sein. Then, we'll hunt down 2 fronts, with winds forecast at 25 to 35 knots. We'll be able to adjust and position the cursor based on the race, the contact, and our position within the fleet at the time. However, we'll have to manage to catch the trade winds, which, according to the weather reports, are not steady yet. Lalou Roucayrol and Alex Pella from my routing cell, assisted by Eric Mas for the weather, will carefully watch out for any evolution in these trade winds. Anyway, the forecast is quite stable and promises us a great competition, with plenty of strategy. With this weather forecast, there're a number of routes to Guadeloupe!"
How are you feeling on the eve of the start of the race?
"I love these Atlantic racing conditions and they're interesting. I know I have a good boat, I feel good on board, and I'll be more comfortable than in a big storm. I'll have to give it my all over the first two days to get through the two fronts in a good position, as it's better to be ahead from the very start. I know I have a good chance in this Route du Rhum."