Alan Roura and Hublot set for the Vendée Globe
by Lauren Swift 8 Nov 2024 05:11 PST
10 November 2024
Alan Roura on the IMOCA Hublot is set for the Vendée Globe © Jean-Guy Python
Pride, joy and determination. These three emotions are in the hearts of Alan Roura and all at Hublot as they await the start of the tenth edition of the Vendée Globe in a few days' time. Together, they are about to take on the world's most extreme single-handed sporting challenge and experience its addictive rhythm.
A date with the oceans awaits. At 13:02 on Sunday 10th November, Alan Roura will officially set off on his third consecutive Vendée Globe and his first aboard the IMOCA Hublot, adding his name and that of the prestigious watch manufacture to the records of Swiss sporting history!
"The emotion is as strong as ever, perhaps even stronger than it was four years ago, because the public is back and the popular support is even crazier than I remember", explained the 31-year-old sailor a few days before the start, his limited edition Big Bang Unico Carbon Fibre on his wrist.
Over the last three weeks, some 2.5 million people have flocked to Les Sables d'Olonne to admire the spectacular boats and salute the solo skippers who are preparing to take on this incredible journey around the globe. This record turnout, four years on from the previous edition which had to be held without spectators due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is set to be repeated on Sunday for the legendary pass down the Les Sables d'Olonne channel!
"The only thing that counts is pushing your limits"
Almost 1000 days ago, the young Swiss sailor knocked on Hublot's door to share his project and his desire to take on the "Everest of the Seas". His fighting spirit, passion, daring and enthusiasm immediately won over the legendary manufacture.
"We don't need to underscore the reasons behind our collaboration with Alan. Our maritime DNA is in our name: Hublot, meaning "porthole". We are a manufacture born gazing out to the open ocean. Ocean racing technology is progressing as fast as our R&D. The recently launched Big Bang Unico Sailing Team represents the very best we have to offer for supporting ocean racing. For now, at least. Because for Hublot, as for Alan, the only thing that counts is pushing our limits", says Julien Tornare, CEO of Hublot.
This is a philosophy shared by the most experienced sailor of his generation, finisher of two Vendée Globe races, and holder of the North Atlantic record. "In Switzerland, we all have a certain idea of what constitutes performance, precision and commitment. I'm not someone to rest on my laurels. Taking too much for granted is a sure path to failure. I want to push the envelope even further; to surpass others, but above all to surpass my own limits".
"A wonderful human adventure"
The time trial has officially begun for Alan Roura, who now has some 45,000 kilometres ahead of him. Leaving the legendary Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn in his wake, Alan Roura will have to dig deep to complete this extraordinary challenge, without assistance or stopovers, a feat only 200 sailors have managed since the event was created 35 years ago!
Along the way, the sailor will undoubtedly have to face many challenges, but Alan Roura knows he can count on the unfailing support of his partners in this 100% Swiss project, with the entire nation behind him, supporting their countryman. "My wish for this Vendée Globe is to be able to share my joy of being at sea with my team, my partners and all the Swiss people who are following me. Yes, there will be difficulties, ups and downs, twists of fate. That's part of the game. But I want to concentrate on the positive, and show that the Vendée Globe is above all a fantastic human adventure!"