Pr e s s Co n f e r e n c e Presentation o f t h e 2008-2009 Ve n d é e Gl o b e Paris, Tuesday 16th September 2008

Pr e s s Pa c k 2 2008/2009 Editorial

As it reaches its twentieth anniversary next year, the Vendée Globe is in four years, which goes way beyond the single-handed yachtsmen on Olympic form. It has never justified so strongly its reputation as one of their heroic three month long voyage beyond the horizon for the millions the most spectacular sporting and media events in the world, attracting of individuals, who passionately follow their adventure. the attention of sailing fans and lovers of amazing feats around the world several months before the starting gun is fired. It is the perfect event to allow the imagination to run wild, for dreams to be conjured up, for the hearts of young and old alike to beat that This sixth edition of the «Everest of the Seas» will be a record brea- little bit faster, as the conquerors find themselves in the middle of wide ker. A record number of entrants with thirty yachtsmen lining up at open spaces. the start. A record in terms of diversity with apart from the seventeen French entrants, thirteen foreign participants. A record of experience The Vendée Globe is also an event, where everyone becomes involved. and know-how: 14 participants have previously taken part in the race, There are the people of Vendée, around their Council and business including the two previous winners, Michel Desjoyaux and Vincent Riou leaders, who remain determined to keep «their» race, if anyone talks - some already twice or three times and even four in the case of one of of moving it elsewhere. Thee are the hundreds of thousands of spec- them, Marc Thiercelin. A technological record too, as twenty of these tators, who turn up on the pontoons and along the coast to enjoy the monohulls were specially designed for the event. start or the finish of the race. Then, there are the tens of millions of men and women around the world, who follow the event thanks to the press, The performance will be worthy of the event itself: anything can happen, media and Internet. when you have five continents and all of the oceans as the backdrop. The Vendée Globe is in itself an amazing challenge taking place every The Vendée Globe is simply out of this world, while remaining a human endeavour.

Philippe de Villiers President of the Vendée Council

3 4 2008/2009 Co n t e n t s

Editorial b y Ph i l i ppe d e Vi l l i e r s 3 An historic r o u n d t h e w o r l d r a ce 6/7 30 s k i ppe r s a t t h e i r pe a k 8/23 De s j o y e a u x , Ri o u : In t h e w o r d s o f t h e w i n n e r s 24/25 Al l t h e w a y a r o u n d a n d b a c k … 26/27 Sh ee r a d ve n t u r e ! 28 Th e i n t e r n a t i o n a l v o c a t i o n 29 Hi s t o r y o f t h e l e g e n d a r y r a ce 30/31 Tw e n t y n e w m o n o h u l l s 32/33 30 o pe n 60’ a t t h e s t a r t 34/35 Or g a n i s e r s a n d r a ce d i r ec t o r s : Fo u r m a i n a x e s 36 Sa f e t y : Im p r o ve d a r r a n g e m e n t s 37 Th e Ra ce Vi l l a g e in Le s Sa b l e s d’Ol o n n e : a s b i g a s t h e eve n t i t s e l f ! 38/39 Ve n d é e Gl o b e Ra ce He a d q u a r t e r s in Pa r i s 40/41 Au d i o -v i s u a l p r o d u c t i o n a n d distribution 42 Of f i c i a l We b s i t e 43 Ve n d é e , s e a d ep a r t m e n t 44 Th e h e a r t o f t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e is b e a t i n g in Le s Sa b l e s d’Ol o n n e ! 45 So d e b ’O, a s u cce s s f u l b r a n d 46 Th e IMOCA Cl a s s 47 Of f i c i a l s u pp l i e r s 48/49

5 2008/2009 Pr e s e n t a t i o n An historic round the world race

Th e r e w i l l b e t h i r t y c o n t e n d e r s in t h i s g l o b a l a d - v e n t u r e , a s r e g i s t r a t i o n s c l o s e d o n 1s t Ju l y 2008: y o u n g r e c r u i t s f r o m t h e Fi g a r o c i r c u i t , t h o s e f r o m 2004, w h o a r e r e t u r n i n g e v e r m o r e d e t e r m i n e d b u t w i t h s o m e n e w a r g u m e n t s , a s w e l l a s s o m e f o r m e r w i n n e r s . Th i s edition c e r t a i n l y l o o k s l i k e b e i n g e x - c e p t i o n a l . Th e p a c e o f t h e r a c e is b o u n d t o b e v e r y f a s t i n d e e d , g i v e n t h e h i g h s t a n d a r d o f c o m p e t i t i o n ... Bu t t h e y a l l n e e d t o m a k e s u r e t h e y d o n ’t h a v e a n y a c c i d e n t s o n t h e w a y !

6 A r e c o r d n u m b e r o f e n t r a n t s Th e m o s t d e m a n d i n g e v e n t a n d t h e g r e a t e s t 13 competitors lined up for the first edition of the Vendée Globe in o f a d v e n t u r e s « ...The standard of 1989, 20 in 2004… There are going to be 30 in 2008. Looking beyond One thing is certain. The standard of the competition in this race is the numbers, it is the quality of the candidates that is impressive. To likely to be extremely high. However, the yachtsmen are going to have competition in this start, take two former winners, Vincent Riou and Michel Desjoyeaux, to find the right balance between the quest for speed and care of the five medallists, Jean Le Cam, Mike Golding, Roland Jourdain, Loïck equipment and themselves in the southern seas. race is likely to be Peyron and Marc Thiercelin, two prize-winning round the world sailors We can look forward to seeing some great personalities in this race: from other races, Jean-Pierre Dick and Bernard Stamm and you already in each Vendée Globe, there are those, who cannot stop talking, while extremely high. » have an exceptional line-up. Add to that some young guns from the others impress with their precise analysis and their well thought out Figaro races, like Yann Elies, Jérémie Beyou and Armel le Cléac’h. Mix choices. Then, there are those moments, which we experience with in some top level racers, who are returning to the race, like Sébastien the yachtsmen: sometimes their deepest fears, as they walk on a tigh- Josse, Dominique Wavre and Alex Thomson. Season with some strong trope on the breakers in the Indian Ocean, their simple pleasures, when personalities like Marc Guillemot, Brian Thompson, Jonny Malbon and they meet a school of dolphins and when they follow the flight of the Kito de Pavant. Stir all that around on a gentle heat and you are sure albatross, their anger at losing a few miles to their nearest rival, their to get the tastiest of stews. To finish add a pinch of those yachtsmen, boundless joy, as they pose for the camera as they round the Horn... who are looking as much for adventure as for the technical challenge. Of course, we will always remember the name of the winner of this race People like Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty, Arnaud Boissières, Yannick Besta- and perhaps the runners-up. But, as with each race, we will remember ven and Raphaël Dinelli, who know full well that it is going to be difficult too the emotional highlights, those moments, which most moved us, to fight it out for a place on the podium, but who are keen to show where we could really feel for the lone yachtsmen. When they return, they can sail cleanly and have what it takes to sail all the way around looking rather lost, we will see how much of their story belongs uniquely the world in their boats. Let’s not forget that exotic touch with the vital to them. And yet, sometimes without knowing it, they will have offered Basque ingredient with the presence of Unai Basurko, the man, who us something precious, a chance to share in a dream. is there through his own efforts, Steve White, the new world entrants with the participation of Rich Wilson and Derek Hatfield and dancing his incredible Viennese waltz, Norbert Sedlacek. The feminine touch is also a vital element and we can count on Dee Caffari and Sam Davies to show what the women can do.

7 2008/2009 Li s t o f e n t r a n t s 30 skippers at their peak

BASURKO Un a i p a k e a bizkaia p9 BESTAVEN Ya n n i c k é n e r g i e s a ut o u r d u m o n d e BEYOU Je r e m i e d e l t a d o r e p10 BOISSIÈRES Ar n a u d a k e n a v é r a n d a s CAFFARI De e a v i v a p11 DAVIES Sa m a n t h a r o xy De PAVANT Ki t o g r o up e b e l p12 DESJOYEAUX Mi c h e l f o n c i a DEJEANTY Je a n -Ba pt i s t e g r o up e m a i s o n n e uv e p13 DICK Je a n -Pi e r r e p a p r e c -v i r b a c DINELLI Ra p h a e l f o n d a t i o n o c e a n v i t a l p14 ELIES Ya n n g e n e r a l i GOLDING Mi k e e c o v e r p15 GUILLEMOT Ma r c s a f r a n HATFIELD De r e k spirit o f c a n a d a p16 JOSSE Sé b a s t i e n bt JOURDAIN Ro l a n d v e o l i a e n v i r o n n e m e n t p17 LE CAM Je a n v m m a t é r i a ux LE CLEAC’H Ar m e l b r i t a i r p18 MALBON Jo n n y a r t e m i s PEYRON Lo ï c k g i t a n a e i g h ty p19 RIOU Vi n c e n t p r b SEDLACEK No r b e r t n a ut i c s p o r t k a p s c h p20 STAMM Be r n a r d c h e m i n é e s p o uj o u l a t THIERCELIN Ma r c d c n s p21 THOMPSON Br i a n p i n d a r THOMSON Al e x h ug o b o s s p22 WAVRE Do m i n i q u e t e m e n o s WHITE St e v e spirit o f w e y m o ut h p23 WILSON Ri c h g r e a t a m e r i c a III

8 Nationality: Spanish, born in 1973 Nationality: French, born in 1974 Lives in: Bilbao (Basque Country, Spain) Lives in: La Rochelle Un a i Ba s u r k o Ya n n i c k Be s t a v e n (Western France) Pakea Bizkaia Energies autour du monde

Th e Ba s q u e n e p t u n e A l o v e o f t h e s e a a n d a f i n e h e a d o n h i s s h o u l d e r s «The Basque Neptune», is what the Spanish media have nicknamed the yachts- It is difficult not to get attached to Yannick Bestaven. His talent is only equalled man, Unai Basurko, who became something of a hero in Euskadi during the most by his simplicity and his warmth towards others. While he spent his youth on the recent Velux Five Oceans in 2006/2007… which, indeed, started and finished banks of the Arcachon Basin, he always had his eyes set on sailing further out to in his hometown of Bilbao. Unai Basurko has therefore already experienced sea. First of all in windsurfing, where he came across Yves Parlier in the Atlantic one single-handed round the world race, but with stopovers. However, he was rollers, then in cruiser racing. However because it was a family tradition, Yannick not just there to take part: in May 2007, it was in Bilbao that the Basque sailor gave up the cockpit for a while to spend some time in the lecture theatre in order with the shaved head managed to take Pakea Bizkaia to third place in the final to study engineering. Once he had shown himself capable of entering the “real rankings, after an epic transatlantic duel with a certain Sir Robin Knox-Johnston world”, he returned to his first love and entered the Mini-Transat in 1999. He during the final leg. He thus became the first Spaniard to reach the winner’s finished honourably, but believed he could do much better. He returned in 2001 podium in a round the world race. and was a clear winner. For four years, he was involved in the Figaro circuit, but It is said that he is also an expert cook. Apart from sailing, he enjoys climbing in his heart of hearts, he knew he was more suited to ocean crossings than to and scuba diving too. In the forthcoming Vendée Globe, Unai Basurko will once close-contact sailing. This Vendée Globe will offer him the opportunity to show to again be competing against Bernard Stamm, twice winner of the Velux, as well everyone that it is possible to sail around the world without using fossil fuels. as many former Figaro racers, whom he came up against in the French classic in 2003. Unai knows the southern latitudes well: he has sailed a lot in Australia Th e b o a t Ac h i e v e m e n t s and among his successes, there was a win in the Trans Tasman Race. It was Yves Parlier, who convinced him to take over his former Aquitaine Innova- • 2 AG2R transatlantic tions, which has been through a major update. It was above all an opportunity Ac h i e v e m e n t s races (7th in 2006), h e b o a t for Yannick to put into practice his beliefs about the environment and to show • Took part in the 2003 T 2005 Figaro single-handed Figaro single-handed event Pakea-Bizkaia is an Imoca Open 60’ designed by the Australian architect, Andi event that thanks to solar, wind and hydro-electric power, you can sail a great distance • 2nd in the World IMS Dovell, and built under the direction of Kanga Birtles (B.O.C 90/91) in Jervis Bay • Crewman on the and quickly… Championships 2002 (Australia). Designed to be as light as possible, but sufficiently robust to withs- «Hydraplaneur » in the • Winner and record-holder tand tough sea conditions, her lines are very extreme and her hull very flat at the Transat Quebec-St Malo of the two-handed Trans bottom to enable her to reach maximum speeds on the long surfs. in 2004 Tasman Race 1998 • 2 Mini-Transat races • Winner of the Plymouth- Press Contact : Iker BAZURKO (winner in 2001) Press Contact : Gwenola GALLOIS • Winner of the Europe San Sebastian 1998 +34 688 623 370 / [email protected] +33 (0)2 97 88 27 73 / [email protected] • Winner of the Race in 1999 on Aquitaine Commodores’ Cup 1997 Innovations

On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « En e r g i e s « Pa k e a Bizkaia» a u t o u r d u m o n d e » • 15th in the 2007 Transat • 13th in the 2007 Transat Jacques Vabre Jacques Vabre • 3rd in the 2007 Velux Five • 8th in the 2007 Transat Oceans B to B • Forced to retire from the • 6th in the 2008 Artemis 2008 Artemis Transat Transat • 2nd in the 2008 Transat Quebec Saint-Malo

w w w .pakeabizkaia .c o m w w w .e n e r g i e s a u t o u r d u m o n d e .c o m

9 Nationality: French, born in 1976 Nationality: French, born in 1972 Lives in: Loctudy (Brittany) Lives in: La Teste de Buch Jé r é m i e Be y o u Status: married with one child Ar n a u d Bo i s s i è r e s (France’s Atlantic coast) Delta Dore Akena Vérandas

A m a n in a h u r r y Ca l i “disappearing o f f t h e m a p ” Yet another pure Morlaix Bay product, he grew up sailing Optimists with his As they line up for the start, this former geography student may get teased by the family from a very tender age… but Jérémie Beyou gained experience too and fishermen of La Chaume, the famous inventors of the World Liar Championships. learnt how to sail in the National Sailing school in Brest and discovered top level They like nothing other than to invent sentences such as the following that fits racing. By the age of 18, he was already up with the winners in the French Youth like a glove the sailor that everyone calls Cali in the world of ocean racing: Dinghy Championships. At 19 years of age, in 1995, he discovered the Figaro «Those, who do the Vendée Globe, go so far out to sea that they disappear off Bénéteau. At twenty, he competed in his first Figaro single-handed event… In the map!» 1998, he reached the top ten in the French Ocean racing Championship and has never left it since then. It is time for Arnaud Boissières from La Rochelle to “disappear off the map”. This former transatlantic Mini racer, who worked professionally as a skipper in the In 2005, the man in a hurry (in any case on the water!) towered over his opponents West Indies and worked on delivering boats and preparing them for Catherine in the Figaro. Meticulous, precise, stubborn, he showed his full talent by winning Chabaud and Yves Parlier is finally seeing his dream of circumnavigating the an amazing Grand Slam: a win in the Generali Solo, a win in the Route du Ponant world come true, after going through the Figaro circuit. Skipper of the magni- and of course above all, a stunning win in the Figaro single-handed event, at the ficent 60-foot Solune, among other experiences, Arnaud will this time be at the Ac h i e v e m e n t s end of a legendary final leg snatching victory from Michel Desjoyeaux in a nasty helm of a very powerful boat, particularly downwind, in spite of her age. • Figaro single-handed storm. From that moment on, it was only logical for Jérémie to show his talent in circuit in 2005: winner other races: as crewman aboard the Banque Populaire trimaran, by becoming a of the Generali Solo, the Th e b o a t router during the Transat Jacques Vabre, before convincing his partner to stand Figaro single-handed event Akena Verandas is in fact Thomas Coville’s former Sodebo that was sailed by by him in the major single-handed event that is the Vendée Globe. and the Route du Ponant. Ac h i e v e m e n t s Raphaël Dinelli, before becoming Sébastien Josse’s VMI reaching fourth place French solo ocean racing • Winner of the Equator in the last Vendée Globe and aboard which Armel Le Cléac’h finished fourth in champion. Th e b o a t Route aboard a 50-foot the last Route du Rhum sailing her under the name of Brit’Air. • 9 Figaro single-handed Like Michel Desjoyeaux and Vincent Riou, Jérémie called on the services of Open in 2005 events Bruce Farr to design his Delta Dore. Even if he has had some bad luck, Jérémie • Round Ireland record • Figaro seasons in 2002, • 6 two-handed Beyou knows that he can rely on his efficient machine to set sail in the Vendée transatlantic races 2003 and 2004 Globe. • Winner of the 2003 • Crewman on Olivier de Press Contact : Matthieu HONORE Kersauson’s Geronimo Round Britain and Ireland Press Contact : Laurence CARAES +33 (0)6 30 54 42 90 / [email protected] Race +33 (0)6 80 66 30 69 / [email protected] (Oryx Quest attempt) • ORMA world champion • Mini-transats in 1999, on the Banque Populaire 2000 and 2001(3rd place) trimaran On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « De l t a Do r e » « Ak e n a Vé r a n d a s » • 2nd in the 2007 Calais • 10th in the 2007 Calais Round Britain Race Round Britain Race • Retired from the 2007 • 9th in the 2007 Transat Barcelona World race after Ecover B to B dismasting 12th in the 2007 Transat • 4th in the 2008 SNSM • Jacques Vabre (with JP Record Chomette) • 4th in the 2008 SNSM Record

w w w .v o i l e .d e l t a d o r e .c o m w w w .akenaverandas .c o m /v o i l e

10 Nationality: British, born in 1973 Nationality: British, Lives in: Fareham, Hants, GB born in 1974 in Portsmouth De e Ca f f a r i Sa m a n t h a Da v i e s Lives in: Concarneau (Brittany) Aviva Roxy

A p h e n o m e n a l l a d y An o t h e r y o u n g En g l i s h l a s s When you spend most of your childhood in Portsmouth sailing with your Dad No one can forget the last time we saw a young English yachtswoman line up from an early age in a British yachting paradise, isn’t this surely your destiny? for the start of the Vendée Globe! We should not believe for a moment that Samantha Davies, brought up on the Solent before gaining experience with the Whatever the answer, Dee Caffari does things on a grand scale. In 2004, she top sailing names in Britain (Nick Moloney, Tracy Edwards…) is just there to be took part in the Global Challenge. In 2006, she achieved the remarkable feat of a pretty face or is naïve enough simply to be fulfilling a secret ambition of being becoming the first woman to sail around the world single-handed “the wrong made a Dame by the Queen like Ellen MacArthur. Anyone following closely the way”, against the prevailing winds and currents. On board her 72-foot boat de- Figaro circuit, which she has been deeply involved in for the past few years, will signed for a crew, she struggled for six months to complete this long voyage know only too well that behind the good looks there is a yachtswoman to be around the planet: 178 days, 3 hours and 5 minutes. She thus entered the history feared, capable of surprising everyone by finding the most incredible trajectories. books alongside VDH, Philippe Monnet and indeed Mike Golding, with whom She always seems to be perfectly at ease at sea, particularly in long distance ra- she has worked. ces. In 2005 in particular, Sam impressed everyone by moving up in Mid-Atlantic with the potential winners in the Saint-Nazaire-Cuba transatlantic race. For this successful sportswoman, a former sailing monitor and physical educa- With a Master’s in Engineering under her belt, Sam wanted to do this Vendée tion instructor, who did the London Marathon in 7 hours and 23 minutes, « The Globe, «because it’s the longest race I could find to be alone at sea.» She makes Vendée Globe is the most difficult yachting race: the best sailors in the world, it sound so simple! the best boats, the largest fleet.» Dee just can’t wait to enter the history books and become queen once again by being the first woman to have sailed around Ac h i e v e m e n t s • 2 AG2R transatlantic Th e b o a t the world single-handed in both directions. races Roxy is in fact none other than the former PRB, the winner of the last two edi- Ac h i e v e m e n t s tions of the Vendée Globe with Michel Desjoyeaux and then Vincent Riou at • 2007 “Transgascogne” • Transat Jacques Vabre Bay of Biscay race: 8th in Th e b o a t (6th in 2001) the controls. While this may not be enough to make her the favourite, Sam is the two-handed category Aviva is the latest creation from the Owen-Clarke design team. She is also the • 3 Figaro single-handed certainly ready to take on the role of outsider… • 11th in the 2007 Calais sistership to Ecover, Mike Golding’s boat. A choice, which is allowing both boats events Round Britain Race to develop together by an exchange of information aiming to make the two • Jules Verne Trophy in • 2005-2006 Aviva yachts that much easier to handle. 1997/98, Challenge (non-stop solo • 2 Channel records and Press Contact : Cathy ROURRE (FRA) circumnavigation from east two round Britain and +33 (0)6 14 04 17 16 / [email protected] to west) Ireland records • 11th in the 2001 Mini- • 10th in the 2004-2005 Press Contact : Jo UFFENDEL Justine OZOUX (UK) Transat Global Challenge +44 (0) 787 264 21 87 / [email protected] +44 7824310035 / [email protected]

On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « Av i v a » « Ro x y » • 8th in the Artemis • 10th in the 2007 Transat Transat Jacques Vabre • 5th in the Artemis • 7th in the 2007 Transat Challenge B to B • 5th in the 2008 Artemis Transat

w w w .avivaoceanracing .c o m w w w .s a m d a v i e s .c o m

11 Nationality: French, born in 1961 Nationality: French, born in 1965 Lives in: Montferrier sur Lez Lives in: Port La Forêt, Fouesnant Ki t o d e Pa v a n t (South of France) Mi c h e l De s j o y e a ux (Brittany) Groupe Bel Status: married with 5 children Foncia Status: Married with 3 children

Th e So u t h e r n St a r Th e b o s s One of the most handsome weather-beaten faces in ocean racing. Kito de Pa- Do we still need to present this gentleman? Michel Desjoyeaux is to ocean ra- vant, with his mop of hair and three-day old stubble, his permanent smile and his cing what Bruce Springsteen is to rock’n’roll. Simply the boss. While he has CV full of adventures… there is something of a Corto Maltese in this yachtsman. managed to remain approachable, the winner of the next to last race is nothing Except that it has been a long time now since his Breton rivals first understood short of being the most honoured yachtsman on the planet. Hardly any event they were dealing with something more serious with a cocky southerner, who has been beyond his talent of making the most of technological progress and between two races in the Figaro or in a sixty-footer, takes care of his five kids boat performance and his skill at sailing boats perfectly at sea, in other words, on the Mediterranean coast. There is no one quite like Kito, when it comes to quickly, on the right track and safely. sailing and choosing the right options. In 2002, he also won the legendary Figaro single-handed event. « The professor », as he is referred to on the pontoons, is a giant, if we look at his achievements: three times winner of the Figaro single-handed event, he then With a strong, new partner – the Bel Group and the famous laughing cow on achieved grand slam to dream-like proportions by winning consecutively the his mainsail – the Southern Star was to win everything in his path in 2005, with three most legendary single-handed ocean races: the 2000-2001 Vendée Globe, notably two major victories: the Solo Méditerranée and the AG2R transatlantic the 2002 Route du Rhum, the 2004 Transat. Simply incredible! race (with the Italian, Pietro D’Ali). He then decided with the support of his partner to move to a 60-foot monohull and focus on the Vendée Globe. Having raced successfully in the giant trimaran circuit, Michel Desjoyeaux is Ac h i e v e m e n t s returning to monohulls and to the Vendée Globe, which made him a household • Winner of the 2004 name 8 years ago. With a new boat, he has some clear goals and he will certainly Th e b o a t Transat be there at the forefront. Kito de Pavant, like Marc Guillemot called upon the talents of Jacques Verdier in • Winner of the 2002 Route conjunction with the Van Pétéghem Lauriot-Prévost team, and they came up with du Rhum a radical new design, favouring streamlined entry into the water and a lightweight • Winner of the 2000-2001 Th e b o a t approach rather than power, Groupe Bel has shown, in spite of her youth, that Vendée Globe For this 2008 race, Michel Desjoyeaux has chosen to entrust design work to the she has enormous potential particularly in downwind conditions. • 2nd in the Orma multihull Bruce Farr. His boat, slimmed down to the bare minimum, shows the skipper’s championship in 2004 and Ac h i e v e m e n t s desire to find the perfect compromise between a resolutely powerful hull and • 7 Figaro single-handed 2003 to achieve maximum weight savings. Power is only good for you, if you can events (winner in 2002) Press Contact : Julia HUVÉ • Three times winner of the control it. • 3 Transat Jacques Vabre +33 (0)6 63 28 81 48 / [email protected] Figaro single-handed event races (3rd in 2005) (1992,1998 and 2007) • 2 AG2R transatlantic • Winner of the Transat Press Contact : Laurence Dacoury races (winner in 2006 with Ag2r in 1992 (with Jacques +33 (0)6 34 18 66 54 / [email protected] Pietro d’Ali) Caraës) On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « Fo n c i a » « Gr o u p e Be l » • Winner of the 2007 • 6th in the 2007 Transat Transat Jacques Vabre Jacques Vabre (with 2007 (with M. Le Borgne) Sébastien Col) • 3rd in the 2007 Transat • 2nd in the Transat B to B B to B • 5th in the SNSM Record SNSM in 2008 • Retired from the 2008 Artemis Transat after colliding with a cetacean

w w w .b e l t c h i z t o u r .c o m w w w .t e a m f o n c i a .c o m

12 Nationality: Nationality: French, born in 1965 French, born in 1978 Lives in: Larmor-Plage (Brittany) Je a n -Ba pt i s t e De j a n ty Lives in Caen Je a n -Pi e r r e Di c k Status: single Groupe Maisonneuve (Normandy) Paprec-Virbac

Wi s d o m d o e s n ’t necessarily c o m e w i t h a g e Th e t a l l f a i r -h a i r e d g u y s h o w s d e t e r m i n a t i o n He may be the youngest entrant in this 2008-2009 Vendée Globe, but he shows With a very unusual background… while remaining one of the most experienced the maturity of an old sea dog. After obtaining a diploma in boat design from sailors in the race, he is there to win. It was a long time ago that the former the highly renowned Southampton Institute, Jean-Baptiste could have develo- vet and company boss was seen merely as a round the buoys sailor or coastal ped his own home-made project, but he preferred to buy a boat from 2005 and racer. In his first Vendée Globe, Jean-Pierre suffered one problem after another, gradually work on her to improve her potential. Jean-Baptiste knows where he mostly down to bad luck, but also due to a lack of experience of single-handed comes from: a descendant from a long line of Paimpol fishermen, known as the ocean racing. However, he won the admiration of everyone by showing dogged Icelanders. He knows full well that you need to remain humble facing the ad- determination, in spite of being so unlucky, and finished up in sixth place. versity of the oceans. Whereas his ancestors sailed off to the limits of the North Since then, Jean-Pierre has sailed for miles and miles and has been working very Atlantic, he will be diving into the southern seas. This Vendée race is bound to be hard. Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre in 2003 and 2005, he has continued very instructive for the boat designer, who has already built his own prototype for to progress, even daring to try his hand on boats, which on paper did not ap- the Mini-Transat. Maybe this race is a testing ground for him, before he moves pear to suit him, such as in the Figaro single-handed event: always with the aim on to designing his own boat? of learning. His victory in the Barcelona World Race is a good sign that he has turned the pages. Jean-Pierre has become one of the men to beat. Th e b o a t The Lavranos design, built in Brazil in 2005 has undergone a major overhaul Th e b o a t since she came into the hands of Jean-Baptiste: modification of the deck layout, Like some of the other favourites, Jean-Pierre will be sailing a brand new Farr the ballast systems and the canting keel… The boat setting out on the Vendée design in this race. The sistership to Gitana Eighty, his boat benefits from having Globe has very little to do with the prototype the yachtsman acquired. clocked up the miles jointly with Loïck Peyron and from an exchange of informa- tion between the two yachtsmen. Ac h i e v e m e n t s • Winner of the 2005 Transat Jacques Vabre (with Loïck Peyron) Press Contact : Laurent CAUVILLE • 6th in the 2004-2005 +33 (0)2 51 35 86 10 / [email protected] Vendée Globe Ac h i e v e m e n t s • Winner of the 2003 Press Contact : Laurent SIMON • 3rd in the 2004 Fastnet 6.50 Transat Jacques Vabre +33 (0)6 80 87 91 34 / [email protected] • 23rd in the 2004 Transat Ag2r (with Nicolas Abiven) • 4th in he 2003 Open demi-clé • Winner of the 2001 Tour 6.50 de France sailing Race

On t h e 60’ « Gr o u p e On t h e 60’ Ma i s o n n e u v e » « Pa p r e c -Vi r b a c » • 10th in the 2007 Transat • 3rd in the 2006 Route B2B du Rhum • 11th in the 2007 Transat • Winner of the 2007-2008 Jacques Vabre Barcelona World Race • 7th in the 2007 Rolex Fastnet Race (with D Foxall) • 9th in the 2006 Route du Rhum • 10th in the 2005 Transat Jacques Vabre

w w w .groupemaisonneuve .f r /v o i l e w w w .j p d i c k .c o m

13 Nationality: French, born in 1974 Nationality: French, born in 1974 Lives in: Les Sables d’Olonne Lives in: Saint Brieuc (Brittany) Ra p h a ë l Di n e l l i Ya n n El i è s Status: married with two children Fondation Ocean Vital Generali

A f e r v e n t e c o l o g i s t a t h o m e in Le s Sa b l e s He i r t o t h e f a m i l y t r a d i t i o n Originally from Arcachon, Raphaël Dinelli has beyond the shadow of a doubt The yachtsman from Saint Brieuc is one of the few to have captured the Jules been a local hero in Les Sables, since he moved to the home of the Vendée Verne Trophy twice as part of the crew sailing around the world on board Bruno Globe. Known for being somewhat of a daredevil at the start of his career, he Peyron’s maxi-catamaran, Orange. Like Bernard Stamm, he has already been has now become one of the race’s icons, as he enters the race for a fourth time. around the world in just fifty days… Back in 1996, the unofficial entrant, who was miraculously rescued, Raphaël is one of those, who have lived a near-death experience. The picture of him A hard-working descendant of a long line of ocean-racing yachtsmen (his father standing up on his sinking, overturned yacht in mountainous seas is one of the Patrick won every stage of the Aurore –the old name for the Figaro single-handed iconic images of the yachting world, as is his heroic rescue by Pete Goss, the event- in 1979, when he was just starting out as a child aboard a dinghy), Yann British yachtsman. Elies also comes from the Figaro circuit, where he established a reputation for A lot of people would never have gone back after such an incident. Yet, Dinelli himself with a series of wins and honours and with two titles as French Ocean most certainly did. In 2000, he raced on the boat, which had belonged to the racing Champion (2004 and 2006). Hungarian sailor, Nandor Fa «just to go round again.» He managed that, but was Determined, meticulous and talented, often unstoppable on the water, the frien- not ranked as a collision with a whale forced him into South Africa for repairs. In dly, cheeky lad became an excellent project leader for this sixty-footer that will 2004, for his third attempt, Raphaël finished in twelfth place. For this 2008 race, take him on his dream voyage. With a loyal partner since 1998, the Generali he will be attempting to turn his boat into a think tank for energy saving ideas, Group, he has been lucky enough to have as guest sponsor, another great spor- Ac h i e v e m e n t s • 3rd in the Route du Rhum before maybe getting his hands on a real prototype in 2012? ting figure, who conquered his own Everest: Zinedine Zidane. A little extra to 1998 on a monohull add some confidence to someone already brimming over with it. Yann knows the way and believes he is in with a chance. This is his first Vendée Globe, but • Winner of the Transat Th e b o a t Ac h i e v e m e n t s Jacques Vabre 1997 in a For the third time, Raphaël Dinelli is setting sail on the boat that used to belong to • Twice French solo ocean he will certainly be a strong contender. 50-foot boat the Hungarian yachtsman, Nandor Fa. Whilst it is clear that the boat cannot rival racing champion (2004 – • Took part in the Vendée the prototypes from the latest generation, she is a reliable boat that the skipper 2006) Th e b o a t Globe 1996/1997 knows like the back of his hand. • Twice record-holder with Quite logically, Yann has called upon the services of the Finot Group to design (shipwrecked in the Bruno Peyron of the Jules his boat. Jean-Marie Finot was the designer of the boat that enabled his father Southern seas) Verne Trophy (2002 – 2005) to sail to victory in the Aurore Race. The group also designed the winning boats • 10th in the Figaro single- Press Contact : Eve BOUGAULT • Has taken part ten times handed event in 1995 +33 (0)9 61 02 76 69 / [email protected] in the Figaro single-handed for the 2004, 2000, 1996 and 1992 races. • 2nd in the newcomers event: 4 stage wins Press Contact : Bénédicte ÉTIENNE category in the Figaro • Took part in The Race +33 (0)6 87 30 12 83 / [email protected] single-handed event in on board Team Adventure 1993 in 2001

On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « Oc e a n Vi t a l « Ge n e r a l i » Fo n d a t i o n » • 5th in the Calais Round • 12th in the 2004-2005 Britain Race 2007 Vendée Globe • 9th in the 2007 Transat • Took part in the Jacques Vabre (with 2000-2001 Vendée Sébastien Audigane) Globe (Suffered damage. • 4th in the 2007 Transat Completed the race, but B to B not ranked) • 3rd in the 2008 Artemis Transat

w w w .f o n d a t i o n o c e a n v i t a l .c o m w w w .g e n e r a l i -v o i l e .c o m

14 Nationality: British, born in 1960 Nationality: French, born in 1959 Lives in: Warsash (Hampshire) Lives in: La Trinité sur Mer (Brittany) Mi k e Go l d i n g Status: married with one child Ma r c Gu i l l e m o t Status: married with 2 children Ecover Safran

Fi g h t i n g Spirit Qu i e t f o r c e Watch out! Here’s the favourite! The former professional fireman is certainly a You will never hear him bragging about his exploits. And yet…Marc Guillemot fearsome opponent for all the others in this Vendée Globe, in which he will be from La Trinité in Southern Brittany represents that quiet force that can be found sailing for the third time. Seventh in 2001 and third in 2005 after achieving the between Bénodet and Quiberon Bay and that goes on to sail the seven seas. feat of sailing his boat home to Les Sables d’Olonne after she lost her keel, the From short sailing trips with Bertrand de Broc, to following in the wake of the Englishman could well be getting the better over his “froggy” rivals... Poupon brothers, via the construction of the legendary Jet Services with Nigel Irens, Marc has been through the best there is, as far as ocean racing is concer- Specialising in sailing around the world the “wrong” way, which he has done both ned over the last twenty years. We can also mention his successful voyages with as a solo yachtsman and as part of a crew, Mike has a wealth of experience and Jean Le Cam and Serge Madec (Atlantic record in 1984), multihull racing with exceptional sailing skills. He leaves nothing to chance either and over the past Loick Peyron, Mike Birch and Paul Vatine, his role with the La Poste monohull twenty five years plying the seven seas has made him a giant of ocean racing, alongside Eric Tabarly in the crewed race around the world… And then of course who is usually on the winning side. there were his multihull seasons on his own trimaran: La Trinitaine.

The winner of The Transat in 2004, and with several successes under his belt in Miraculously surviving Jet Services IV’s tragic accident in 1985, which saw the the Route du Rhum and the Transat Jacques Vabre, he also revealed his true ta- disappearance of Jean Castenet, once again Atlantic record-holder in 1988 wi- Ac h i e v e m e n t s lent in the last Velux Five Oceans, which he was forced to quit following damage thin two years of the accident after a period of therapy, second in the 2002 • SNSM Record in 2006 Route du Rhum, Marc Guillemot will also have a new machine at his disposal (Imoca category) to his boat, after managing to rescue his fellow Brit, Alex Thomson. A fighter to Ac h i e v e m e n t s when he tackles the Sailing Everest. When a lad from La Trinité sur Mer sets out • 4 Transat Jacques Vabre the bitter end, Mike has all the talent and the fighting spirit it takes to be a great • 3 Route du Rhum races races, including three yachtsman. He is in it to win. (2nd in 2002), to go around the world, it’s not to be bringing up the rear and finishing as last podium places • 2 Whitbreads (1989 and man home… 1994) • 2nd in the 2002 Route Th e b o a t du Rhum • 3 transatlantic races from Ecover 3, like his previous boat, comes from the Owen-Clarke design studio. Th e b o a t • 2nd in 2005 and 3rd in Quebec – St Malo with a Safran, Marc Guillemot’s new boat has impressed everyone, who has seen her, 2003 in the Calais Round The experience Mike and the design team have had together will certainly be a crew (1st in 1988, 4th in as she is so at ease in all types of weather. Designed jointly by Guillaume Verdier Britain and Ireland Race determining factor. In spite of a few teething problems, Ecover 3 is now clearly 1996, 2nd in 2000), • Winner of the Atlantic in great shape. We can rest assured that the joint training sessions carried out • 2nd in the British and Vincent Lauriot-Prévost, this boat that is particularly lightweight has bene- Challenge in 2003 with her sister-ship Aviva will enable her to be extremely well prepared. transatlantic race in 2000 fited from work carried out by engineers in the Safran Group to ensure she is in • Winner in 2004 and 3rd in • 2nd in the two-handed the best of shape. Does Marc maybe have the fatal weapon? transatlantic race (Lorient – 2000 in The Transat Press Contact : Victoria LOW Press Contact : Soazig GUEHO • 3rd in the 2004-2005 St Barth) 1994 +44 783 632 7362 / [email protected] +33 (0)6 62 08 75 44 / [email protected] Vendée Globe • 2 Atlantic records

On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « Ec o v e r 3 » « Sa f r a n » • 5th in the 2007 Transat • 2nd in the 2007 Transat Jacques Vabre Jacques Vabre • Forced to retire from • 5th in the 2007 Transat the Transat Ecover B to B Ecover B to B in 2007 • 4th in the 2008 Artemis • 7th in the 2008 SNSM Transat record • 3rd in the 2008 Artemis Challenge

w w w .mikegolding.c o m w w w .s a f r a n s i x t y .c o m

15 Nationality: Canadian, born in 1952 Nationality: French, born in 1975 De r e k Ha t f i e l d Lives in: Port Credit, Ontario (Canada) Sé b a s t i e n Jo s s e Lives in: Melgven, Brittany Spirit of Canada BT

A Ca n a d i a n a d v e n t u r e Th e y o u n g s t e r h a s r e a l l y g r o w n u p His new Owen Clarke design with its maple leaf mainsail will stand out at the When in 2004, he started out on the Vendée Globe, Sébastien Josse wore his pontoons in Port Olona. A fully-fledged Canadian, this yachtsman in his fifties heart on his sleeve and was full of doubts. The Sébastien, who will be setting sail from the wide-open spaces of Ontario is going to be a major attraction in this this time will not be a bragger either, but… In four years, the young yachtsman Vendée Globe. from Nice fitted out by the Figaro team in Port-la-Forêt has come a long way. This former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who became Ma- At the end of an exemplary Vendée Globe, he finished fifth, in spite of sailing a nager of the Compliance Department at the Toronto Stock Exchange, came to boat that could not rival those of the leaders. With the bow and rig damaged sailing thanks to a neighbour and is already a round the world yachtsman. He in following a nasty incident with a growler, which almost saw his boat sink, he fact became the 126th sailor in the world to have sailed alone around the planet. showed relentless determination attracting everyone’s admiration. That was in 2002 at the age of fifty on board a 40-footer already christened Spirit of Canada. He finished Around Alone in third place in his class, in spite of a very One crewed round the world race later, and Jojo is coming back to the Vendée long stopover for repairs having dismasted off Cape Horn. Named Rolex sailor Globe and that is really good news. Firstly because that means there is another of the year in 2003 for Canada, he also won the trophy in that same year that favourite in with a chance, but above all because everyone, who knows him bears the name of the late Gerry Roufs. cannot but appreciate this endearing sailor, who has never forgotten where he Ac h i e v e m e n t s Finally, and it is far from being the least of his qualities, Derek Hatfield is a keen came from and what he owes all those that have supported him. Jojo is not the • Winner of the Rolex Fastnet defender of nature. With the Earth Rangers, a charitable organisation, he has Race (IMOCA) in 2007 type to fake his emotions, and is certainly not calculating. He pushes all the way launched a partnership to bring to the attention of children the importance of • 4th in the Volvo Ocean Race when racing and takes us with him. Then, there is that little touch of humour, sustainable development and environmental protection. He will be setting sail (skipper of ABN AMRO 2) in which has never done any harm to him or his boat. with the fully justified pride of taking the first Canadian built Open 60 boat around 2006 and 24-hour distance the world. record, in the monohull Th e b o a t category the same year For this next race, the yachtsman will have at his disposal one of the latest Ac h i e v e m e n t s • 4th in the 2004-2005 h e b o a t Bruce Farr designs, the sistership to Vincent Riou’s. Sébastien will moreover • 3rd in 40’ in Around Alone T Vendée Globe in 2002 For the 2008 Vendée Globe, Derek Hatfield built his boat in Canada based on a • Winner of the Rolex Fastnet have benefited from the extreme professionalism of Ellen MacArthur’s team and • 2nd in the Bermuda One- design by Owen-Clarke. While she may not feature all the latest developments, Race (IMOCA category) in we can be certain that he will thus be sailing on a well-honed boat. Two in 1999, 2nd in 1997 Spirit of Canada is likely to be a solid boat, which is tried and tested and should 2003 • Winner of the 1996 enable her skipper to sail around the world without a hitch. • Jules Verne Trophy Record Press Contact : Julie ROYER Legend Cup Transatlantic (64 days) on board the +44 (0) 870 063 0210 / [email protected] Race Orange maxi-catamaran in Press Contact : Patianne VERBURGH • 7th in the 1996 Europe 2002 +1 416 816 7446 / [email protected] One single-handed • 2nd in the Figaro single- Lou NEWLANDS transatlantic race handed event in 2001 [email protected] On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « Spirit o f Ca n a d a » « BT » • 12th in the 2007 Transat • Retired from the 2008 B to B Artemis Transat (in the lead when forced to retire) • 2nd in the Artemis Challenge

w w w .s p i r i t o f c a n a d a .n e t w w w .s e b j o s s e .c o m w w w .b tt e a m e l l e n .c o m 16 Nationality: French, born in 1964 Nationality: French, born in 1959 Lives in: Quimper (Brittany) Lives in: La Forêt Fouesnant (Brittany) Ro l a n d Jo u r d a i n Status: Married with two children Je a n Le Ca m Status: Married with two children Veolia Environnement VM Matériaux

Bi l o u ’s b a c k … He l o v e d it s o m u c h For the third consecutive time, Roland Jourdain will be lining up at the start of For his first entry into the Vendée Globe last time around, he finished second… the Vendée Globe. And as usual, he will be one of the favourites. Third in 2001, That just reveals the true talent of this man, who tries his hand at everything and forced to retire in 2004, « Bilou », as he is known on the pontoons is a well-known finds success, as quite apart from his skill as a yachtsman, he is also a perfec- character in ocean racing. His talent, forged on all sorts of craft in the ‘Vallée des tionist, who wants everything to be just right. He presents himself as a builder fous’ in Port-la-Forêt and alongside round the world yachtsmen like Eric Tabarly, and designer, as much as an ocean racer and that is perhaps one of his great Michel Desjoyeaux and Jean Le Cam among others – is known to all. Twice strengths in a race, which is won over a great distance. Above all, he found in receiving the title of Imoca world champion skipper and winner of the Transat the Vendée Globe, a race, which suits him perfectly, from a technical and human Jacques Vabre, Roland Jourdain affirmed his credentials in the winter of 2006 by standpoint. His humour and exceptional list of achievements are the two pillars winning the Route du Rhum a few all-important minutes ahead of his arch-rival of strength for this untiring sailor, who has won practically all there is to win, from and old mate, Jean Le Cam. dinghy sailing to Formula 40 boats and not forgetting giant multihulls and 60-foot Open boats. His incredible list of successes has grown ever longer in recent This legendary win was fully deserved for this cheerful little guy, who knows times, with his place as runner-up in the Route du Rhum (by just a few minutes) behind his old mate, Roland Jourdain. We can be certain that he would like to better than anyone how to motivate his crew and create an environment around Ac h i e v e m e n t s add another title to this long list, just to round things off nicely. him to find the best level of performance. Moreover, his rivals, who are also his • 2006 FICO World friends, know full well that Bilou has a great yearning for victory in this Vendée Champion Globe, which he will be racing in for the third time. With a wealth of experience, • 2 Transat Jacques Vabre Ac h i e v e m e n t s Th e b o a t races (3rd in 2005) • 2 Route du Rhum races and brimming over with skills with a top-notch machine… if he avoids breaking Jean Le Cam, like Roland Jourdain, is back with his 2004 Lombard designed • 3rd in the 2003 ORMA (winner in 2006) anything this time around, Roland Jourdain will not be far away from Nirvana. boat. Keeping to the philosophy, which has motivated him from the outset, he Mondial Assistance • 6 Transat Jacques Vabre has above all attempted to make weight savings, favouring a lightweight ap- Challenge races (winner in 2001 and proach rather than power. Then there are the thousand and one little tips he Th e b o a t • Triple winner of the Figaro in 1995) Roland, like his mate, Jean Le Cam, will be back on his Lombard boat from single-handed event picked up from his first Vendée Globe. The first comparisons have shown that • 2001 Imoca world 2004. However, after being fine tuned, thinned down and given more power, the (1999 – 1996 -1994) there is very little difference in terms of performance between an updated 2004 champion • Transat AG2R (4th in boat and one from the new generation. • 4 Figaro single-handed machine aboard which he will be lining up for the start has very little in common 2008, 2nd in 1996, winner events, with the boat from four years ago. in 1994) Contact Presse : Fabrice THOMAZEAU • 2 AG2R transatlantic races • Formula 40 world +33 (0)6 86 00 06 73 / [email protected] (winner in 1994) champion in 1988 and • 2 Whitbreads (1989, 1985) Press Contact : Valérie BEAULIEU 1989 • 3rd in the 2000-2001 +33 (0)6 62 04 39 77 / [email protected] Contact Presse : Davina RICHARD • Atlantic record in 1982 Vendée Globe +33 (0)6 83 49 06 10 / [email protected]

On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « VM « Ve o l i a Ma t é r i a u x » environnemen t » • Winner of the Calais 1000 • Winner of the 2006 Route Miles in 2004 • 2nd in the 2004-2005 du Rhum Vendée Globe • Winner of the 2005 Calais • 2nd in the 2006 Route du Round Britain Race Rhum • Forced to retire from the • 3rd in the 2007 Calais Round Britain Race 2004 Vendée Globe • 4th in the 2007 Transat • Retired from the 2007 Jacques Vabre Barcelona World Race • 2nd in the SNSM Record in 2008

w w w .c a n y o u s e a .c o m w w w .j e a n l e c a m .f r w w w .v m -m a t e r i a u x .c o m 17 Nationality: French, born in 1977 Nationality: British, born in 1974 Lives in: La Forêt Fouesnant Lives in Cowes (Isle of Wight, GB) Ar m e l Le Cl é a c ’h (Brittany) Jo n n y Ma l b o n Brit Air Status: married with a child Artemis

Wa t c h o u t f o r t h e j a c k a l A s e l f m a d e s a i l o r Growing up between the rocks and currents of the treacherous Morlaix Bay, Here’s a newcomer, who isn’t really one. Maybe we could say he is a beginner Armel le Cléac’h owes his strange nickname to his extraordinary determination. in ocean racing in general and Imoca monohulls in particular, like Vincent Riou On the water, « the jackal » never gives anything away. Attentive to every detail, was for his victory race. In other words, he is stepping out of the shadows, but refusing to give an inch. His inspiration and ocean racing talent come in addition is already well known and appreciated by his fellow racers. Working with Mike to a strong personality, to the extent that it is almost impossible for his opponents Golding, for whom he started to prepare boats back in 1998, Jonny Malbon has to influence the choices he sticks with right up until the end. It is this strength clocked up more than 30,000 miles on all of the world’s seas. Like Dee Caffari, that gave him victory for example in the AG2R transatlantic race in 2004 with he also worked alongside Chay Blyth on the Global Challenge, where he was in Nicolas Troussel, his long-time friend. charge of crew training. He could be seen for three seasons busily working as a crewman on the deck of Ellen MacArthur’s Kingfisher and of course alongside This rough diamond, who began to sail at the age of nine created a shock at the Brian Thompson, from whom he is taking over today. beginning of the decade when he made a roaring entry into the ever so deman- ding Figaro class: second in 2000 and the winner in 2003 just a few seconds In short, he is a well-rounded sailor with a great deal of intelligence: while ahead of … Alain Gautier, who decided to hand him the helm of his giant trima- Jonny is a kayaking, windsurfing and sailing instructor, he also has a degree ran. However, it was a large monohull and taking part in the Vendée Globe that from Greenwich University. He knows his boat like the back of his hand, as he was in the back of Armel Le Cléac’h’s mind. Fourth in the last Route du Rhum, smashed the Round Britain record on her (7 days, 4h and 29 minutes) and will be he is certainly not taking part just to be in the race, as indeed could be seen from aided and abetted by another exceptional assistant, Graham Tourell. Yet another his recent second place in the Artemis Transat. Ac h i e v e m e n t s chance for the British contingent to grab this famous Vendée Globe from the • Winner of the 2007 JP French, which up until now they have never achieved. Up until now being the Ac h i e v e m e n t s Morgan Round The Island h e b o a t key phrase… • 4th in the 2006 Route du T Race Rhum Armel Le Cléac’h chose to work with the Finot Group, where success appears to • Winner of the 2007 • 5 Figaro single-handed come naturally in the IMOCA circuit, as the design team has won every edition of Cowes-Dinard Th e b o a t events (winner in 2003) the Vendée Globe with the exception of the first. Brit Air is a relatively powerful • Winner of the 2006 Round Artemis 2, Jonny Malbon’s new boat is a design from Rogers Yachts. A dismasting • 2 AG2R transatlantic boat, while remaining within reasonable limits. Britain and Ireland Race in the 2007 Transat Jacques Vabre and delays during her build have meant we have races with Nicolas Troussel • Crewman on board the not yet seen the full potential of Artemis 2. (winner in 2004) Press Contact : Emmanuel TERRIEN maxi-catamaran Doha • Skipper of the Foncia +33 (0)6 71 45 20 90 / [email protected] 2006, winner of the Oryx trimaran in 2005, 6th in the Quest in 2005 Press Contact : Camilla GREEN Quebec – St Malo in 2004 Barbara Bernard • Co-skipper of the 60-foot +44 (0) 7970 746 482 / [email protected] • Winner of the Round +33 (0)6 07 37 63 51 / [email protected] Open Team 888 (ex- France sailing race in 2001 Kingfisher) in 2003

On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « Br i t Air » « Ar t e m i s » • 7th in the 2007 Transat • 6th in the Artemis Jacques Vabre (with Challenge Nicolas Troussel) • Retired from the Transat B to B after dismasting • 2nd in the Artemis Transat

w w w .v o i l e .b r i t a i r .f r w w w .a r t emisoceanracing .c o m w w w .b r i t a i r .c o m 18 Nationality: French, Nationality: French, born in 1972 born in Nantes in 1959. Lives in: Lesconil (Brittany) Lo ï c k Pe y r o n Lives in Pornichet Vi n c e n t Ri o u Status: married with a child Gitana Eighty PRB

Ja n u s is s a i l i n g Th e De f e n d e r Rather like the Roman god with two faces, Loïck Peyron is someone, who is able Discreet, genuine, bordering on taciturn, and… frighteningly efficient. The title to keep an eye on the past, while looking towards the future. With twenty years holder and race record holder (87 days) has up until now had a perfect score of ocean racing experience behind him, the younger of the Peyron brothers could in the Vendée Globe: technical coordinator for Michel Desjoyeaux’s PRB, the well have been content to sail in La Baule Bay. However, we must not forget 2000 winner and above all skipper of PRB in 2004 that as everyone remembers that Loïck was involved in all the first editions of ocean racing events: the Route he sailed to victory. That was all it took for Jean Le Cam to label him « Vincent du Rhum, the Race, the Coffee Route, Quebec Saint-Malo and of course, the The Terrible.» Vendée Globe. By finishing runner-up behind Titouan Lamazou and especially by organising Philippe Poupon’s rescue off the coast of South Africa, he made a Can the lifeboatman from Lesconil repeat the feat and take PRB to a third vic- large contribution to the epic reputation of the race. After accompanying Jean- Pierre Dick in the Transat Jacques Vabre in 2005, it is hardly surprising to see the tory in a row in the Sailing Everest? If this was to be the case, if Vincent Riou yachtsman from La Baule brimming over with impatience to get back in a race, led PRB to a new triumph, we would be talking all over again about his titles which, as he himself points out, was highly emotional for him. Always keen to as French Match Racing champion and aboard a First Class 8, ten years or so talk and pass on to landlubbers the pleasures he feels sailing around the world, ago, and about his campaigns in the Figaro or that famous 1993 Coffee Route, the man is nevertheless more secretive than we might imagine. As time goes by, which saw him bring his boat safely home with no help at the age of 21, in spite Loïck has matured and found a new note of seriousness. It would not be surpri- of an ingress of water. sing to see him writing one of the finest chapters in the next Vendée Globe. This formidable sailor and weather expert does not hesitate for a second before Ac h i e v e m e n t s Th e b o a t Ac h i e v e m e n t s becoming a router for the top names. To cut a long story short, Vincent has dealt • 2nd in the 1989-1990 For this project, Loïck Peyron will have at his disposal the sister-ship of Jean- • Winner of the 2004-2005 himself a winning hand, which could allow him to repeat the success he had four Vendée Globe Pierre Dick’s boat. It should not take too much time for him to get back in the Vendée Globe years ago. He will be the defender… and therefore the man to beat. • 39 Atlantic crossings swing of things, which has allowed him to build up one of the finest list of achie- • Winner of the 2007 Rolex including 15 solo crossings vements in the world of single-handed racing. One thing is certain: his return to Fastnet Race • 2 round the world the limelight was certainly well prepared. Always up there with the frontrunners, • Winner of the Calais Th e b o a t voyages he won the two major solo transatlantic races in 2007 and 2008, the Transat B Round Britain Race with a Like a lot of competitors in this 2008 race, Vincent turned to Bruce Farr for the • 5 ORMA champion titles to B and the Artemis Transat. He therefore quite logically is a favourite for the crew in 2003 design of his new PRB. While his preparation was upset by a number of inci- • 16 Grand Prix wins 2008 Vendée Globe. • 3 Transat Jacques dents, Vincent will in the end be one of the entrants, who has had the most time • Three times winner of the Vabre races, one Atlantic to prepare his boat, which was launched in early 2007. We can be sure he will British solo transatlantic Challenge (2nd in 2003) be able to get the most out of her. race Press Contact : Tiphaine COMBOT SETA • 3 Figaro single-handed • Twice winner of the +33 (0)6 85 58 53 00 / [email protected] events (4th in 2003) Press Contact : Fabienne MORIN Transat Jacques Vabre in • 4th in the Transat AG2R +33 (0)6 87 25 83 15 / [email protected] 1999 and 2005 in 2002

On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « Gi t a n a Ei g h t y » « PRB » • 8th in the 2007 Transat • Winner of the 2007 Rolex Jacques Vabre (with Jean- Fastnet Race Baptiste Le Vaillant) • Winner of the 2007 Calais • Winner of the Transat Round Britain Race B to B • Retired from the 2007 • Winner of the SNSM Barcelona World Race Record • Retired from the 2008 • Winner of the Artemis Artemis Transat Transat

w w w .g i t a n a -t e a m .c o m w w w .p r b .f r

19 Nationality: Austrian, Nationality: Swiss, born in 1963 born in 1962 Lives in: Saint Pabu (Brittany) No r b e r t Se d l a c e k Lives in: Vienna (Austria) Be r n a r d St a m m Status: Married with two children Nauticsport Kapsch Cheminées Poujoulat

Ag a i n s t t h e w i n d So l i d a s a r o c k In Austria, ocean racing is not a common pursuit, but Norbert Sedlacek does From woodsman to mechanic, the most Breton Swiss national, has carried out not worry about little details like that. This former public transport official from a range of jobs, but it is single-handed sailing that best suits him. Since his Austria finally chose the ocean and a career as a professional skipper. He wants extraordinary story with the small port of Lesconil, where everyone or almost to gain his revenge: after damage to his keel and being forced to retire from the everyone lent him a hand to build his mini for the 6.50 transatlantic race, hardly last edition of the Vendée Globe, Norbert is back again to try to complete the anything has withstood the onslaught of this tough guy with an angel’s face. It round the world voyage. After building his own 8-metre long boat, aboard which is only his dream of winning the Vendée Globe that has escaped him (forced to he was to spend two years sailing around the world, he continued with the Iceli- retire in 2000 after nine days, start cancelled in 2004 because his boat could not mit challenge in a 54-foot boat, then signed up for the 2004-2005 Vendée Globe, be sailed having lost her keel in The Transat). which he did not complete due to the keel problem. Having managed to get his boat home from Cape Town, he worked extremely hard to find new partners, to That is the darker side of his story. On the other hand, Bernard Stamm, the rock, train and fine-tune his machine. After three years of preparation, Norbert is back, can boast an exceptional list of achievements: the Atlantic monohull record, more determined than ever. the Jules Verne Trophy and outright Atlantic record with Bruno Peyron’s Orange It is now all up to him. An experienced skipper, an ocean sailor, he will make up Team. And above all two consecutive wins, which were outstanding in the last with his faultless determination for what his boat is lacking in comparison to the two round the world races with stopovers. Only two other sailors can boast more recent builds. such success: Philippe Jeantot and Christophe Auguin, who also won the BOC Challenge twice. Th e b o a t Ac h i e v e m e n t s • Winner of the 2006-2007 His boat, a Joubert-Nivelt design from 1995 is obviously not able to rival the Th e b o a t Velux 5 Oceans latest 60-foot monohulls. However, Norbert knows her from the tip of her mast Bernard Stamm is setting sail this time on Jean-Pierre Dick’s old boat, one of the • Brittany Ferries record to the bulb on her keel like the back of his hand. If you want to be ranked, first and co-holder of the Jules 2004 generation creations. He has had the time to fine-tune her and his recent you have to finish… Verne Trophy in 2005 performances on board show that her potential is up there with the new generation • Winner of Around Alone boats. If you know Bernard’s way of doing things, you will understand that such a Ac h i e v e m e n t s in 2002/03 boat in his hands is likely to be absolutely awesome… • 2nd entry in the Vendée • 8th in the 2005 Transat Globe Jacques Vabre • Took part once in The • Atlantic crossing record Transat (2004) Press Contact : Anita SEDLACEK for a monohull 2001 Press Contact : Véronique GUILLOU • Took part in the Ice Limit [email protected] • 3rd in the Mini-Transat +33 (0)6 70 10 91 25 / [email protected] (Cape Town/Cape Town, in 1995 2000) On t h e 60’ « Ch e m i n é e s Po u j o u l a t » • 3rd in the 2007 Transat Jacques Vabre • 6th in the 2007 Transat Ecover B to B • 3rd in the 2008 SNSM Record

w w w .n o r b e r t s e d l a c e k .c o m w w w .b e r n a r d s t a m m .c o m

20 Nationality: French, born in 1960 Nationality: British, born in 1962 Lives in: La Rochelle Lives in: Lymington, Hants (GB) Ma r c Th i e r c e l i n Br i a n Th o m p s o n Married with two children DCNS Pindar

On e m o r e t i m e o n t h e r o u n d a b o u t Mr. Ad a p t a b l e He did promise he would never try his hand again and that the 2004 Vendée Sixth in the last Route du Rhum on Artemis, this British yachtsman, who is still Globe would be his last, as it was time to hand over to someone else. However, not very well known by the general public, is a true chameleon, who has such an only idiots never change their mind. In the end, his love of ocean racing was exceptional ability to adapt to circumstances that he has become a vital figure too strong and so Marc Thiercelin will be setting out on his fifth single-handed on a large number of boats with one or two hulls, and not the least insignificant round the world voyage. Starting out in Olympic sailing, he discovered the joys ones at that. The reason for this is Brian Thompson knows how to get the most of ocean racing in 1991 with the Mini Transat. Since then, the yachtsman has out of everything that floats. There has to be a good reason for being named continued to dream of open spaces and by taking part in major ocean races has watch leader on giants like Cheyenne and PlayStation. Among his achieve- found something to allow him to fulfil these ambitions. ments, the Oryx Quest 2005, the round the world record in 2004 on Cheyenne, the Columbus Route the previous year on PlayStation… Brian has sailed a lot During the last Vendée Globe his hopes were dashed due to a series of incidents: in recent years with his compatriot Mike Golding, who this time will be his rival too short a preparation, after only managing to find a budget very late on, the in the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe. Rightly considered as one of the most expe- yachtsman from La Rochelle admits he never really got into the swing of the race. rienced sailors on the international scene, he certainly will not be there just for This time around, he has a new boat and a strong partner… This is part of a great the pleasure of going around the world. project, as Marc will afterwards be helping a young sailor to find his footing for the 2012 Vendée Globe. A truly wonderful handover. Th e b o a t Inspired directly by the boats in the Volvo Ocean Race (crewed round the world Th e b o a t race), Pindar, designed by the architect Juan Kouyoumdjian is without any doubt Ac h i e v e m e n t s Marc has a Finot design from the latest generation. He has taken advantage the most powerful boat in the IMOCA fleet. Particularly speedy in light airs, she • 6th in The Transat 2004 Ac h i e v e m e n t s of lessons learnt from the sisterships built before his. On the other hand, his will certainly be tougher to handle than others in the southern seas. Her perfor- • 7th in the 2003 Figaro • Winner of the 2005 Oryx mance in the forthcoming Vendée Globe may well influence many future projects, single-handed event boat was only launched very recently and it is going to take all the yachtsman’s Quest (co-skipper) as the boat is based on some radical choices. • 4th in the 2000-2001 experience to make up for the lack of sailing in order to enable the project to • Round the world record Vendée-Globe reveal its full potential. on board Cheyenne (watch • 5th in the 1999 Transat leader) in 2004 Jacques Vabre • Columbus Route record on Playstation (watch • 2nd in Around Alone in Maguelonne TURCAT 1998/1999 leader) in 2004 +33 (0)6 09 95 58 91 / [email protected] • 2nd in the 1997 Transat • Winner of the 1998-1999 Press Contact : Jo GAWITH Jacques Vabre Clipper Round The World +44 7 968 723 054 / [email protected] • 2nd in the 1996-1997 Race Vendée Globe On t h e 60’ « Pi n d a r » • Winner of the 2008 Artemis Challenge

w w w .lesfilieresdu t a l e n t .c o m w w w .b r i a n t hompsonsailing .c o m

2121 Nationality: British, born in 1974 Nationality: Swiss, born in 1955 Lives in Lymington, Hants (GB) Lives in: La Rochelle Al e x Th o m s o n Do m i n i q u e Wa v r e (France’s Atlantic coast) Hugo Boss Temenos II

Cr a z y h o r s e A Sw i s s Mo n u m e n t When you live on the shores of the Solent you can hardly avoid a life on the sea. Dominique Wavre will be fifty-three when the race begins. It was a long time Alex Thomson is certainly no exception to the rule. It was at the age of 25 that he ago that as an adolescent he first sailed dinghies on Lake Geneva, before beco- won the Clipper Round the World Race. For Alex, clearly the result is what counts ming an art student in Geneva. Over four decades of ocean racing, Dominique in the end. In the 2004 Vendée Globe, he managed to keep up with some of the Wavre has acquired a wealth of experience on all the seas around the world: top names in the series by pushing the boat to the limit of what was reasonable, racing more than 300,000 miles! He has clocked up four Whitbreads (including before being forced to retire after some damage. Possessing an extraordinary one win in 1986) and already two Vendée Globe races. The Swiss yachtsman degree of determination, he can also be his worst enemy, when he pushes him- also finished second on two occasions in the Figaro Single-handed event and self or his boat too hard. Since then however, Alex has finished second in the no longer fears anyone nor anything. He knows the three capes route and the Barcelona World Race, showing the sceptics that he was capable of completing breakers in the Southern Seas like the back of his hand. a race. After some excellent results and a boat that he has had the time to tame, he is in with perhaps the best chance of all the British entrants. The other Swiss monument (leaving to one side Bernard Stamm for the mo- ment) has no intention of bringing things to an end at this point. Hardly had Th e b o a t he completed the Vendée Globe, before he began the construction of his new Ac h i e v e m e n t s Maybe the grass is greener on the other side of the Channel… as Alex called Temenos, a boat that was built to win. Methodical, precise like a Swiss watch, • 4th in the 2004-2005 upon the services of the French designers at the Finot Group to come up with the Dominique Wavre will once again be someone to keep an eye on. And to watch Vendée Globe very, very closely. plans for his latest boat. That has not however stopped him from wanting to give • 5th in the 2000-2001 the boat a personal touch: she is powerful, with a modern and aggressive look. Vendée Globe There are two things we can be certain about: his boat stands out and clearly • 3 Transat Jacques Vabre Th e b o a t she can sail quickly….very quickly indeed. races Dominique called upon the designers in the Owen-Clarke studio to work on his new Ac h i e v e m e n t s • 2nd in the British Téménos II. Built in June 2006 in New Zealand, the boat has since then covered an • 2nd in the 2003 Transat transatlantic race in 2004 impressive number of miles. That is likely to be a major advantage in terms of the Jacques Vabre • 3 Figaro single-handed reliability and the fine-tuning of the boat. • 3rd in the Atlantic events in 1990 and 1997) Challenge and 24h solo • 2 AG2R transatlantic monohull record in 2003 Press Contact : Jo GRINDLEY races (2nd in 1998) Press Contact : Magali PARET • Winner of the Clipper +44 778 810 6762 / [email protected] • 24h solo monohull record +33 (0)6 80 33 58 76 / [email protected] Round The World Race in 2000 1998/99 • Coach for the French Challenge team in the America’s Cup in 1991/92

On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « Hu g o Bo s s » « Te m e n o s II » • 2nd in the Barcelona • 3rd in the Barcelona World Race (with Andrew World Race (with Michèle Cape) Paret) • 4th in the 2007 Fastnet Race • 4th in the 2007 Round Britain Race • 4th in the 2006 Route du Rhum

w w w .a l e x t homsonracing .c o m w w w .dominiquewavre .c o m w w w .t e m e n o s .c o m 22 Born in 1972 Nationality: American, born in 1950 Nationality: British Lives in: Rockport, Massachusetts (US) St e v e Wh i t e Lives in Dorchester (GB) Ri c h Wi l s o n Spirit of Weymouth Married with four children Great America III

Th e v o c a t i o n w i t h o u t t h e f u n d i n g Th e m a t h e m a t i c i a n There are two ways of launching an Open 60 campaign: the easy way and the This highly qualified Harvard graduate will be the elder statesman in this Vendée hard way. Steve White seems to have chosen the second path. For ten years, Globe. However, do not think that he will make any mistakes in calculating his Steve has had the burning desire and the strong ambition to take part in the route: this gifted maths prof from Boston is a high flier, as his incredible list of Vendée Globe. Unlike most of the 60-foot Open skippers, Steve is not benefiting achievements shows; defence analyst in Washington to business angel in Mas- from the support of a major sponsor, so is constantly struggling giving everything sachusetts, not forgetting construction work in Saudi Arabia. he has to reach his goal. He has mortgaged his house to buy Spirit of Weymouth, previously known as Gartmore and Pindar. While working hard to find a financial As for his nautical career, it was in 1980 that Rich Wilson got people talking by partner. He has built up some huge personal debts to finance this campaign. We becoming the youngest winner of the Newport-Bermuda Race. After that, he should therefore not underestimate a skipper, who has come so far in his project sailed aboard Great American II, a 50-foot trimaran that was the sistership of without a sponsor. Some fine-tuning work on his boat in conjunction with his the Irens designs Nootka and CLM. With this multihull, the American yachtsman relentless determination will enable Steve White to be a solid competitor, when set records such as the Hong Kong-New York, New York-Melbourne and San he lines up at the start of the forthcoming Vendée Globe. Francisco-Boston, the town where he grew up. In 2004, he finished second in his class in The Transat. Mathematically, he is not up there amongst the favourites, but wants to enjoy the Th e b o a t great adventure that is the Vendée Globe. And you always have to keep an eye A tried and tested boat, but one that remains competitive. With all the hard work on the resources of the maths prof... to ensure she is well prepared without any real financial means, Steve White knows that he is not a serious contender for a podium place. However, there will still be the satisfaction of sailing around the world, showing that he was right Th e b o a t to believe in himself. For the great adventure of the Vendée Globe, Rich Wilson will be sailing aboard Thierry Dubois’ Nivelt-designed boat, aboard which he did his qualifying run in 2006 between La Trinité-sur-Mer and Portland. A boat aboard which he has Ac h i e v e m e n t s already sailed in two transatlantic races. • 2004 2nd in the Transat, class II multihulls Press Contact : Kim White • 2003 Hong Kong – Press Contact : Dianna FLETCHER Ac h i e v e m e n t s [email protected] New-York record on Great 1.207.831.8148 / [email protected] • Winner of the 2005 Ostar American II (50-foot category) • 2001 New York – • 2nd in the 2002 Melbourne record on Great Transatlantic Challenge American II (Winner of the second leg)

On t h e 60’ On t h e 60’ « Spirit o f We y m o u t h » « Gr e a t Am e r i c a III » • 8th in the 2007 Fastnet • 16th in the 2007 Transat Race Jacques Vabre (with Mike • 8th in the 2008 Artemis Birch) Challenge • 11th in the 2007 Transat B to B

w w w .w h i t eoceanracing .c o m w w w .g r e a t a m e r i c a n 3.c o m

2323 2008/2009 In t h e w o r d s o f t h e w i n n e r s Michel Desjoyeaux : « As sailors, we’re going to be learning a lot »

Wi n n e r o f t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e , t h e Ro u t e d u Rh u m , t h e Tr a n s a t Ja c q u e s Va b r e , Th e Tr a n s a t , a s w e l l a s t h e Fi g a r o s i n g l e -h a n d e d e v e n t o n t h r e e o c c a s i o n s , Mi c h e l De s j o y e a u x h a s v e r y l i tt l e l e f t t o p r o - v e t o u s a s f a r a s h i s s a i l i n g abilities a r e c o n c e r n e d . Ho w e v e r , h e s t i l l t a k e s g r e a t d e l i g h t in p r e p a r i n g t o s e t s a i l a g a i n in a r a c e , w h i c h h e b e l i e v e s f u l l y d e s e r v e s a l l t h e s u p e r l a t i v e s .

A s e c o n d Ve n d é e Gl o b e f o r Mi c h e l De s j o y e a u x , On p a p e r , t h e d i f f e r e n c e in s p e e d b e t w e e n t h e b o a t s the men, nor about the boats, in fact. You have to need to know how to put on a spurt now and then to avoid missing out on the weather w i t h a n e x c e p t i o n a l l i n e -u p s e e m s v e r y s m a l l … Wh a t is g o i n g t o b e t h e d e c i d i n g systems, but at the same time, you have to take care of the “horse” We all dreamed of such a rich line-up in terms of the quality and the f a c t o r in t h i s f o r t h c o m i n g Ve n d é e Gl o b e ? and the rider… You just can’t race all out for three months. Or maybe number taking part. Seventeen new boats and a few from 2004, which Let’s not forget that the race lasts three months: a lot can happen you can, but I don’t think so. have been updated and will be in with every chance. I really like that and there are bound to be ups and downs and technical problems. One thing is certain: it’s all going to kick off very quickly, as in the last idea and that’s another reason why I’m pleased to be racing in this As in every edition, not everyone will be reaching the finish. The first race. It’s when we reach the southern seas that we are going to have Vendée Globe. thing is to avoid being one of those. Then, you have to have a great to act reasonably. race: remaining consistent, not breaking anything, choosing the right options and sticking with it. That means there a lot of parameters to Yo u n e e d t o k n o w w h e r e t o s e t t h e d i a l … take into account and whoever does that best is in with a good chance That is the real problem. If we knew that before setting out, there would of finishing first. not be any point in sailing the Vendée Globe. You might as well play a game of dice. No, if you’re doing the Vendée Globe, you have to com- Wh y is t h i s r a c e s o d i f f e r e n t f r o m t h e o t h e r s ? plete the race without getting left behind. The Vendée Globe is without doubt one of the major dates on the sailing calendar. With a mixture of the adventure of sailing off beyond the We c a n imagine t h a t t h e r e w i l l b e a l o t t o l e a r n in horizon and an increasingly important sporting challenge, it’s the only race to last so long without assistance and without stopovers. Three t h i s r a c e months non-stop, completely alone on an eighteen-metre boat, is not With such a line-up, there is a mass of experience coming together. to everyone’s taste. One thing is certain, it is what I like. If not, it would Sailing is a sport built on experience. Sailors are learning all the time and be a pity wasting three months of your life like that. There is no other the whole design and build sector accumulates experience. That’s why sporting event like it, which lasts for three months. it is never boring, even if you are alone out there for three months.

Fa c i n g s u c h s t r o n g c o m p e t i t i o n , i s n ’t t h e r e a r i s k o f p u s h i n g t h e b o a t t o o h a r d ? The boats have become very powerful and very fast, in comparison to those from the previous generation. Will the pairing of boat and sailor be able to keep it up, going full out all the time? I’m not sure about

24 Vincent Riou: « We can expect some surprises… »

Fo r t h e f i r s t t i m e a w i n n e r o f t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e is b a c k t o d e f e n d h i s t i t l e . Th e p r o s p e c t d o e s n o t s e e m t o w o r r y Vi n c e n t Ri o u , w h o c a n n o t w a i t t o g e t u n d e r w a y .

Th e r e h a v e n e v e r b e e n s o m a n y n e w b o a t s , a n d p o - De f e n d i n g y o u r t i t l e is a b i t o f a g a m b l e … Is t h e Im o c a c l a s s a t a t u r n i n g p o i n t ? Non, c’est surtout parce que je me suis fait tellement plaisir sur le der- t e n t i a l w i n n e r s l i n i n g u p . Wi l l t h i s c h a n g e t h e w a y The increased competition is obviously going to reduce the media im- pact for each individual boat. Even if I trust the organisers to improve nier Vendée Globe. J’ai sincèrement, vraiment envie d’y retourner. De t h e e v e n t is r a c e d ? the communication around the event still further, the more guests there plus, le plateau proposé est pour le moins alléchant. Quand on aime la It’s too early to tell… We know now that in such a long race, the human are, the smaller their share of the cake. We are going to have to get used confrontation, on se dit que ne pas être présent sur la ligne, ce serait factor is key. We have to be able to keep going, remain clear-headed, to this fact and learn how to be reasonable. On the other hand, we can’t rater un sacré moment dans une vie de coureur. Et puis, nous avons make the right choices. Let’s not forget that the last two editions of the complain, when we can see so many boats lining up at the start. It’s also eu la chance de vivre une dernière édition où tout s’est bien passé. Vendée Globe were relatively kind, but nothing guarantees that this will the level of competition, which gives a reputation to the races we take C’est plus difficile de repartir quand tu as eu la malchance de subir be the case this time around. un traumatisme comme ont pu en vivre d’autres sur de précédentes part in. Now there is a Vendée Globe to be raced: the situation may be éditions, autrement plus dures. very different by the end of the round the world voyage. Wh a t s h o u l d w e t h i n k a b o u t t h e c h a n g e s in t h e IMOCA c l a s s a n d t h e a r r i v a l o f s o m a n y n e w p r o - Wh a t h a s c h a n g e d in t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e ? In general, we are much better prepared than the pioneers from the j e c t s ? first races. Our boats satisfy very stringent safety requirements. We It’s always the same, as there are advantages and drawbacks. have benefited from the experience of our predecessors and we have On the positive side, we have never seen such a line-up much more information at our fingertips. Today, we get reliable weather for the start of a single-handed round the world race. The charts, allowing us to plan a few days ahead, particularly so we can yachtsmen come from many different backgrounds, with avoid very nasty weather. Sailing is a question of collective intelligence: machines that are fine tuned as never before. Personally, you always learn from what others have done. Today, the Deep South I believe that we have a balanced programme based ex- is no longer that unknown wilderness. Even if we know you have to clusively on ocean racing, which means that the projects remain humble in those waters. remain well thought out.

25 2008/2009 Th e c o u r s e All the way around and back…

Wh e n p e o p l e t a l k a b o u t t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e , y o u i m m e d i a t e l y t h i n k o f t h e s o u t h e r n s e a s . Ho w e v e r , t h e p a s s a g e t h r o u g h t h e u p p e r s o u t h e r n l a t i t u d e s o n l y r e p r e s e n t s a t h i r d o f t h e r a c e . Th e 2004 edition s h o w e d u s f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e t h a t b e i n g t h e f i r s t t o r o u n d t h e Ho r n , e v e n w i t h a c o m f o r t a b l e l e a d , d i d n o t g u a r a n t e e f i n a l v i c t o r y … Th e k e y m o m e n t s a n d t h e a t m o s p h e r e o f t h e r a c e …

Les Sables d'Olonne

Pot au noir

Cap Leeuwin Cap de Bonne Espérance

Cap Horn

26 Th e t r a p s o f t h e Ba y o f Bi s c a y Th e In d i a n Oc e a n , t h e s h a d o w y z o n e So u t h At l a n t i c , a t e r r i b l e c l i m b Watch out for south-westerly storms between Les Sables d’Olonne and That was how Titouan Lamazou, the winner of the first Vendée Globe, Let us not forget that a large number of boats have been forced to re- Cape Finisterre! Any ocean racer will tell you that the Bay of Biscay has nicknamed this huge wilderness between the Cape of Good Hope and tire from the Vendée Globe in the South Atlantic. The boats have been the reputation of being a tough one. Between the shallows of the conti- Tasmania to the south east of Australia. Crossing the Indian Ocean through a lot, the vigilance that has been kept up for several weeks nental shelf and the strengthening winds off the Cantabrian Mountains, means the yachtsmen will be diving down into another world. Low begins to fade. Moreover, the South Atlantic can offer its share of nasty the way out into the Atlantic can be particularly cruel for sailors and their light, dangerous seas, violent winds, a cold, wet environment, in just a shocks to those, who think they have got away with it. The pamperos, boats. On the other hand, if there is a northerly flow, it means a quick few days the Vendée Globe sailors find themselves completely alone… the gales, which blow off the Argentinean coast, can be exceptionally slide down towards the western tip of Spain, then off to Madeira and the Ahead of their bow, several thousand miles during which they will have violent. The stretch is often a difficult one to sail and upwind sailing Canaries. Then, you need to pick up the trades as quickly as possible, to make a compromise between the shortest route, which is the furthest common, which contributes to the fragility of the boats and the men. make your way through the Cape Verde Islands to get in place to make south, while at the same time avoiding the ice limit. The change is a Then, there are the Doldrums to get through, even if further west they your way through the Doldrums. While speed is favoured, the sailing shock and can weigh heavily on their feelings. Once again, it is a ques- are statistically narrower! sometimes allows tactical options to come into play, which can mean tion of getting the right mixture: knowing how to sail quickly without the loss or gain of a hundred miles or so in a few hours. pushing the boat too hard. And above all knowing how to survive… No r t h At l a n t i c , t h e f a s t t r a c k Gradually, the single-handed yachtsmen in the Vendée Globe make Fr o m t h e Do l d r u m s t o Sa i n t He l e n a , Th e Pacific Oc e a n , h e a d i n g f o r t h e w a y o u t their way back into the cold. Time to put the fleeces back on and they s t r a t e g y c o m e s i n t o p l a y To reach the Horn takes around twenty days on average. The atmos- start to count the miles from the finish. They have to decide how to At the southern limits of the northern hemisphere, the inter-tropical phere gradually changes. The sailors say: the swell is more regular, deal with the landing in Les Sables d’Olonne. Very often they need to convergence zone, better known as the Doldrums, is the nightmare longer, and the sea “tidier”. Once they have passed the International pick up the westerlies to sail directly towards the port on France’s West facing yachtsmen: erratic winds, violent thunderstorms, sometimes Date Line, the return journey begins. However, the voyage down to Coast. Little by little, the first signs of civilisation start to appear: they torrential rain, going through the Doldrums is a bit like getting a lottery Cape Horn also has its share of dangers in store. The first one is the come across a cargo ship, a few trawlers on the edge of the continental ticket. In other words, the Vendée Globe sailors will have spent a lot presence of icebergs reaching fairly northerly latitudes. This means a shelf. Then, they catch a glimpse of a few lights on the coast, which of time preparing for this before getting there: studying the weather stressful watch for the yachtsmen, who although able to detect the lar- guide them in to the finish, before entering the harbour entrance in Les charts, analysing in detail each sector. Once they have passed the ger icebergs on the radar, cannot spot growlers, small blocks of drifting Sables d’Olonne…. Then, another story begins! Equator, the puzzle has still not been solved, as they have to find their ice, which are sometimes less than a metre above the surface of the way around the St. Helena high, before turning east and picking up the water, but which can weigh thirty or forty tonnes. There is a permanent winds allowing them to sail downwind towards the Indian Ocean. The risk of collision and the hours spent on deck trying to detect the danger island of St. Helena is found in the middle of the Gulf of Guinea, but the add to the tiredness, which has built up. Rounding the Horn marks high, which bears its name can generate light winds right across to just the way out… off the Brazilian and Argentinean coast. To get away from the traps of the high-pressure area, some racers adopt a pace worthy of the Figaro single-handed event. It was here in 2004 that Jean Le Cam and Vincent Riou pulled off a masterstroke allowing them to tackle the Indian Ocean more than 24 hours ahead of their rivals.

27 2008/2009 De s i g n Sheer adventure!

Ve r y o f t e n , t h e m o s t d i f f i c u l t t h i n g is t o k e e p it s i m p l e . In t h i s a r e a , t h e p h i l o s o p h y b e h i n d t h e c r e a t i o n o f t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e is a l e s s o n in simplicity: a s i n g l e -h a n d e d v o y a g e a r o u n d t h e w o r l d , w i t h o u t s t o p o v e r s o r a s s i s t a n c e . Th a t w a s a l l it t o o k t o c r e a t e t h e l e g e n d . Th e Ve n d é e Gl o b e is i n d e e d a n a c t i o n -p a c k e d a d v e n t u r e : a t echnological f e a t f o r t h e d e s i g n e r s , y a r d s a n d s k i p p e r s , w h o i n v e s t in e v e r m o r e e f f i c i e n t b o a t s . A p h y s i c a l a d v e n t u r e t o d e a l w i t h t h e h o s t i l e e l e m e n t s a n d l e a r n h o w t o c o p e w i t h t h e trickiest c o n d i t i o n s in t h e f o r t i e s . A h u m a n a d v e n t u r e t o o , a s a l l t h o s e , w h o s e t s a i l , r e t u r n a s d i f f e r e n t p e o p l e … Th e y a l l s a y it m o r e o r l e s s o p e n l y , b u t a t o n e m o m e n t o r a n o t h e r , t h e y h a v e f a c e d m o m e n t s o f d e e p d e s p a i r , w h e n t h e y h a v e f e l t l i k e t h r o w i n g in t h e t o w e l , a s t h e y h a v e s o m a n y d o u b t s a b o u t w h a t t h e y a r e d o i n g . Th e y a l s o t a l k s o m e t i m e s a b o u t t h o s e m o m e n t s o f g r a c e , t i m e s o f s h e e r j o y , w h e n t h e h u l l s h o o t s t h r o u g h t h e w a v e s , w h e n t h e s a i l o r f e e l s t r u l y a t o n e w i t h h i s b o a t .

Ma n a g i n g y o u r t i m e getting your hands filthy in grease, when changing a faulty alternator. have been imposed on the boats. Each racer must follow a medial What gives the Vendée Globe its strength is its length. Three months of To fulfil this role, it is essential to be well prepared: while today each training course and a survival course. With watertight compartments single-handed sailing, where the only links between the yachtsmen and yachtsman has his or her own technical support team, it is them alone, and survival areas, the boats have evolved to guarantee the best level life on dry land occur via telephone communications with their shore who will determine their way of sailing. Between the hunt to eliminate of safety for all the competitors. There only remains the whim of the teams and Race HQ. Finding themselves all alone for three months, any excess weight and the need to take on board spares, there is a ocean, which can be stronger than all the will of man. The risk factor these single-handed yachtsmen end up revealing a lot about their true delicate balance to achieve, which is going to have a huge effect on is also a part of the adventure. being. Those, who were so determined to win feel engulfed by doubts the three months of racing. In the end, the Vendée Globe has always and emotions, while others show remarkable tenacity. The time ele- crowned well-rounded yachtsmen, who are capable of sailing their For all these reasons, we can be sure that once again, there will be ment is a vital factor in understanding the irresistible attraction of the boat and keeping a watchful eye on wear and tear. hundreds of thousands of visitors strolling along the Vendée Globe Vendée Globe for the public: you only have to look at all those lined up pontoons, watching out of the corner of their eyes those hoping for in the channel in Les Sables d’Olonne for the start or the finish of each Im p r o v e d s a f e t y victory, feeling the tension rise right up to the day of the start. When the contestant, to understand the incredible popularity of the race. You cannot dance on the devil’s back, without accepting that some- time comes to cast off, they will be there again, crowded along the pier times he is going to get annoyed. From the Cape of Good Hope to in Les Sables d’Olonne or on the Chaume harbour wall cheering the We l l -r o u n d e d y a c h t s m e n Cape Horn, the single-handed yachtsmen in the Vendée Globe know sailors, who will be taking with them some of our desires for adventure. Three months of sailing puts a lot of demands not only on the men, but they are sailing far from everything, and very often out of reach of It is perhaps there that you find the real magic of the Vendée Globe: also on the equipment. By imposing a race with no stopovers or as- normal rescue means. In this ocean wilderness, they can only rely in this coming together of the public, looking for something fantastic sistance, the Vendée Globe rules make it necessary for the yachtsmen on themselves and the solidarity of their colleagues. With each new and those single-handed yachtsmen, who when they find themselves to use their ability to intervene technically on their machine when so race, the race organisers have always paid particular attention to en- in the Kingdom of Solitude, will not forget the joy they feel knowing this required. This may mean climbing the mast to check wear on the ha- sure that this risk factor was reduced as much as possible. In colla- crowd of faces are following their progress. lyards, taking apart bearings in 40-knot winds without losing any parts, boration with the IMOCA class, increasingly draconian stability tests

28 2008/2009 In t e r n a t i o n a l The international vocation is confirmed

13 f o r e i g n c a n d i d a t e s a t t h e s t a r t o u t o f t h e 30 c o m p e t i n g in t h e n e x t Ve n d é e Gl o b e , w i t h a r c h i t e c t s a n d b o a t y a r d s b e i n g c a l l e d u p f r o m a l l o v e r t h e w o r l d . We m u s t n o t f o r g e t t h a t a f o r e i g n w i n is q u i t e p o s s i b l e . Th e i n t e r n a t i o n a l r e v o l u t i o n h a s b e g u n : t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e h a s b e c o m e a g l o b a l e v e n t in t h e t r u e m e a n i n g o f t h e t e r m .

From its very first edition, the Vendée Globe has managed to attract doing was this one. Sam Davies will also have the opportunity to foreign sailors, as five of them, chiefly Anglo-Saxon set sail at the start become a household name in Britain. Then, there are the significant of the maiden race. This interest shown by yachtsmen from Britain, but entries from yachtsmen like Derek Hatfield, Rich Wilson and Norbert also from South Africa, from the North American continent or from el- Sedlacek. Norbert was already in the race in 2004, and is back this year sewhere in Europe has continued ever since. Yet the 2008 edition looks with stronger support, which just goes to show the media interest that like being quite exceptional with so much international skill involved. he has raised in Austria. Derek and Rich are the two representatives of the North American continent and may lead the way for other entrants There will be 13 non-French yactsmen at the start, even if, it should be in the future. One thing is certain. The «Spirit of Canada» campaign added that some of them actually took up residence in France a while has received a lot of local support. ago… Thus, we have Sam Davies, who lives in Port la Forêt in Brittany and Bernard Stamm, of Swiss origin, but who was adopted many years Te c h n i c a l a s p e c t s : a w e b o f c o n n e c t i o n s ago by the tiny community of Lesconil also in SW Brittany. However, However, the internationalisation can be seen even more in the tech- there have never been as many foreigners in with a chance of winning. nical choices made by the racers: the American design team behind We must pay homage to the great Mike Golding, who after finishing Bruce Farr is responsible for no fewer than 7 boats out on the start heroically in third place in the 2004 Vendée Globe, is back with just as line (only 1 in 2004). The Argentinean designer, Juan Kouyoumdjian, much ambition, in other words, he wants to win. Alongside him, Alex better known for designing a certain number of boats in the Volvo Thomson, Brian Thompson and Jonny Malbon are not there just to Ocean Race, intends to show that solo round the world sailing is not make up the numbers either. We will need to keep a close eye on the an area reserved exclusively for French design teams. Jean-Pierre Swiss contingent: Bernard Stamm, the winner of two BOC Challenges Dick, Loïck Peyron and Dominique Wavre’s boats were built in New has built himself a solid reputation, while Dominique Wavre, finished his Zealand. On the other hand, Alex Thomson entrusted the Finot-Conq two Vendée Globe races in the top five and at the helm of a brand new studio in Vannes with his project. Which just goes to show, that the boat, intends to set the sparks flying. grass can be greener on the other side. What can we say about Sé- bastien Josse, who will be racing under the colours of a British sponsor Gr o w i n g i n t e r e s t in t h e r a c e within the framework of Ellen MacArthur’s team? Internationalisation While other entrants may not be in it for a podium place, they reveal of knowledge and skills, a mixture of cultures, the 2008 Vendée Globe the growing interest in the Vendée Globe around the world. Dee Caffari, is clearly embarking on quite a change… after a successful round the world voyage against the prevailing winds and currents, convinced her partner that the only adventure worth

29 2008/2009 Hi s t o r y Five editions to create the legend!

30 On l y a f e w s t a r t i n g o u t o n t h e f i r s t Ve n d é e 1992-1993 A g r e a t e v e n t w a s b o r n 2000-2001 Ti m e f o r a s p o r t i n g c h a l l e n g e Gl o b e w o u l d h a v e g a m b l e d o n t h e s u c c e s s o f 14 yachtsmen lined up for the start including some of the pioneers from Since the previous edition of the Vendée Globe, sailors, designers and the first edition: Philippe Poupon, Alain Gautier, Loïck Peyron, Jean-Luc organisers had worked hard. In the end, it was a new set of rules that w h a t a p p e a r e d t o b e a t o t a l l y c r a z y p r o j e c t u s t . J Van Den Heede developed a taste for the event and were back again at came into play, as well as the requirement for the sailors to go through a t h i n k . Ge tt i n g s i n g l e -h a n d e d y a c h t s m e n t o s a i l the start. For the second edition, the Bay of Biscay reserved one of its survival-training course. The yachtsmen were made aware of the safety a r o u n d t h e w o r l d w i t h n o s t o p o v e r s o r a s s i s t a n - outbursts of anger, of which only it has the secret and a lot of the fleet considerations, but this did not stop them developing new machines, were forced to make their way back to Les Sables. More tragically, the which were even faster and precise. The line-up allowed a dozen or so c e ! Ho w e v e r , w i t h e a c h n e w r a c e , t h e e v e n t h a s British yachtsman, Nigel Burgess disappeared off La Coruña. Which entrants a chance of winning from Michel Desjoyeaux to Roland Jour- g r o w n , t o b e c o m e t o d a y t h e a b s o l u t e m u s t f o r a just goes to show that the southern seas are not always the most dan- dain and not forgetting Yves Parlier, Mike Golding, Thomas Coville and s i n g l e -h a n d e d y a c h t s m a n a b o a r d a m o n o h u l l . If gerous. Alain Gautier, on a very carefully prepared boat, got through a Ellen MacArthur. Michel Desjoyeaux, who took the helm of PRB from series of incidents aboard his Bagage Supérior. He rounded the Horn Isabelle Autissier, battled it out with Yves Parlier, until the yachtsman t h e n e x t edition p r o m i s e s a n e x c e p t i o n a l l y c o m p e - 36 hours ahead of Philippe Poupon, who dismasted a few days from from Aquitaine dismasted. Alone at the front, he continued to set the t i t i v e l i n e -u p , it is in p a r t d u e t o t h e w a y t h e r a c e the finish, leaving the place of runner up to go to the unrelenting VDH, pace for the race. Only the young English yachtswoman, Ellen MacAr- h a s d e v e l o p e d w i t h e a c h edition… who on his Harlé boat continued to promote the assets of narrow boats. thur, a monument of determination, held on. In 93 days, the member Alain Gautier crossed the line in a little over 110 days. The record was of the Vallée des Fous gang, as the yachtsmen from Port la Forêt are not broken, but a great yachtsman was revealed to the general public known, smashed the Vendée Globe record. A great sporting event had and to himself. been created.

1989 – 1990 Th e a g e o f t h e p i o n e e r s 1996-1997 Vi o l e n c e in t h e De e p So u t h 2004-2005: Ne c k a n d n e c k There were thirteen boats setting sail from Les Sables d’Olonne for this 15 boats lined up for the start, plus one racing outside the rules, Ra- At the start of the last edition of the Vendée Globe, Mike Golding and first edition. If the enthusiasm of the general public was immediate, it phaël Dinelli, who did not manage to satisfy the qualification tests be- Roland Jourdain were the favourites. Possessing new boats, with a was largely due to the fact that the thirteen single-handed sailors were cause his funding arrived too late. Once again the Bay of Biscay carried huge experience gained from a previous Vendée Globe, they had what setting off on an adventure into the unknown. On the quayside in Les out a first selection process. But it was to be the Indian and then the it took to win. However, it was to be two outsiders, two newcomers to Sables d’Olonne, predictions and wagers were common with everyone Pacific that would be the grim reaper this time. Behind Christophe the event that the public would watch as they engaged in a long duel. wanting to know how on Earth they would make it to the finish. This Auguin, who saw his most dangerous rivals, Yves Parlier and Isabelle Vincent Riou, who was Michel Desjoyeaux’s assistant back in 2000, edition saw the triumph of Titouan Lamazou, an out of the ordinary Autissier forced to retire, the ocean went wild. Mountainous seas, took over the old PRB that he had intelligently fine-tuned. He had a yachtsman, who was as much a painter and poet as a determined winds in excess of fifty knots, Raphaël Dinelli, Thierry Dubois and then boat he knew like the back of his hands and was to prove that by grab- racer. The yachtsman from Aquitaine was not known by the general Tony Bullimore found themselves in distress several thousands of miles bing the lead from the start of the race. Very quickly the race became public, although he had excelled in the BOC Challenge, the round the from the nearest coast. The other competitors and the Australian Navy a duel with another newcomer to the event, Jean Le Cam, who was at world voyage with stopovers. This first sea adventure was marked by worked miracles to rescue the three shipwrecked victims. However, home in a race, where he was able to show off all his talent. The gap several incidents: the rescue of Philippe Poupon by Loïck Peyron off the fleet was to be punished still further. A few days later, Gerry Roufs between the two men was usually below 50 miles, in other words, pea- South Africa, Mike Plant being forced to retire after mooring up to repair could not be contacted. His boat was only found six months later, tur- nuts, in comparison to the distance around the world. Opposite Jean his boat and with tears in his eyes being obliged to accept some help ned over off the coast of Chile. Christophe Auguin won the race in 105 Le Cam’s natural racing instinct, there was Vincent Riou’s calm, rational before his boat sank. The Vendée Globe imposed its conditions, but days, but more than ever, this edition would lead to the establishment analysis. A few names were to be revealed, like Sébastien Josse, who seven yachtsmen completed the round the world voyage. With a time of of new safety rules… on an ageing boat kept up with the leaders, thanks to his tactical daring 109 days, Titouan Lamazou also pulled off a remarkable performance. and perfect timing. Vincent Riou won the race in 87 days, some six Two months later, in an emotional moment, Jean-François Coste on the hours ahead of Jean Le Cam. Both men will be back in 2008. venerable Pen Duick III would turn the final pages of the story.

31 2008/2009 Ar c h i t ec t u r e Twenty new monohulls

Tw e n t y n e w b o a t s a r e l i n i n g u p f o r t h e s t a r t , w h i l e t h r e e o l d e r b o a t s h a v e b e e n c o m p l e t e l y r e f i tt e d f r o m t h e t o p o f t h e m a s t t o t h e b u l b . Th e Ve n d é e Gl o b e h a s n e v e r a tt r a c t e d s o m a n y n e w p r o j e c t s . No f e w e r t h a n s e v e n f a m o u s d e s i g n t e a m s a r o u n d t h e w o r l d h a v e b e e n w o r k i n g in c l o s e c o l l a b o r a - t i o n w i t h t h e r a c e r s . To d a y , a b o a t is j u s t a s m u c h t h e r e s u l t o f r e f l e c t i o n f r o m t h e d e s i g n t e a m a s t h e c h a r a c t e r a n d s a i l i n g s t y l e o f t h e y a c h t s m a n in q u e s t i o n . A t r u e l a b o r a t o r y o f i d e a s , t h i s 2008 edition u n i t e s s o m e t r i e d a n d t e s t e d t e c h n i q u e s a n d a tt e m p t s s o m e b o l d a n d original d e s i g n i d e a s .

Po w e r o r t h e l i g h t w e i g h t a p p r o a c h Ea s e o f h a n d l i n g a t t h e h e a r t o f t h e d e b a t e Ma r g i n a l i n n o v a t i o n s This is one of the hotly debated subjects today. A powerful boat, sailing If there is one area, where the boats clearly reveal their skippers’ cha- Things are very different from the time of the first editions. Gradually well in moderate conditions and heading into the sea will demand much racter, it is in their ease of handling. Cockpit fittings, position of the the yachts have become standardised: no one can imagine today set- more effort from the boat and the yachtsman to show her full potential. helm, organisation of life on board, protection against breakers and ting sail with a ketch rig or aboard a long cigar like Jean-Luc Van Den A lightweight boat can be sailed more easily to the maximum of her spray: behind each project there is a clear philosophy, a way to tackle Heede. In the same way all of the boats have adopted the canting potential, but risks being handicapped in some points of sail. the next Vendée Globe. Each sailor has his or her own obsessions: keel system, the square top mainsail inherited from the multihulls, and For the moment, most of the design teams have plumped for power: when some try to make all the manoeuvres easier, and reduce every- rudders that rise up if they hit something. As for the rigging, they can straighter lines, wider hulls, things have gone in a new direction this thing to a bare minimum, others will be adding a host of details allowing choose between a classic rig or a tunny rig with two spars fitted into year. The only ones to continue with the original desire for lightweight to make adjustments to the trim of the boat. Internal fittings are also the deck allowing a pivoted wing mast to be stepped. This pivoted boats are Jean Le Cam and Roland Jourdain’s Lombard designs and the centre of attention: between spreading out the ballast, organising mast allows a better flow of air, whereas the classic rig reduces the total Marc Guillemot and Kito de Pavant’s new boats designed by Verdier the internal space, eliminating unnecessary weight, the technical teams weight of the spar. Here the debate remains open. – Lauriot-Prévost. often have their work cut out fine-tuning all these parameters. Espe- However, a few racers have chosen to put in place some radically dif- However, the debate is not yet over. The few battles that have already cially as in the end, the skipper has to feel his boat and the machine ferent solutions: thus, in collaboration with the Bruce Farr design team, taken place between the two schools have not pushed the balance in must suit him. In this respect, secrecy has gradually become the rule… Jean-Pierre Dick will be testing, a trim tab, rather like the flaps on mo- one direction or the other. You only show what can be seen, and more and more restrictions are torboats, which push the yacht’s bow increasing the waterline length. The consequence of these choices: a number of designers have adop- placed on access inside the boats. It is not yet the America’s Cup, As for Yann Elies, he will be testing some small outriggers, which will ted chines, which first appeared in 2004 on the two Lombard designs. but there may well be a light wind of paranoia sweeping through the allow him to extend outside of his hull the tension points for his fore- A choice, which satisfies the stability requirements of the IMOCA rules Vendée Globe fleet. sails, in spite of having a classic rig. without taking anything away from the boat’s power. We were looking forward to the races in 2007-2008 to find out whether those, who had gone for such and such an option had found the perfect solution. The least you can say is that in this area is that there is no absolute truth. More than that, in fact: as preparations have advanced, all of the skippers have begun to acknowledge that the difference in speed potential between the leading boats has never been so small. In the end, it looks like being the sailor, who will make all the difference and that is surely good news.

32 33 ©JB Ep r o n 34 2008/2009 30 Open 60’ at the start

Skipper Pays The boat Architect(s) Launch Marc Thiercelin FRA DCNS Finot-Conq May 2008 Jonny Malbon GBR Artemis Rogers YD March 2008 Dee Caffari GBR Aviva Challenge Owen Clarke January 2008 Kito de Pavant FRA Groupe Bel VPLP-Verdier September 2007 Mike Golding GBR Ecover Owen Clarke August 2007 Marc Guillemot FRA Safran VPLP-Verdier August 2007 Armel Le Cléac’h FRA Brit’Air Finot-Conq July 2007 Loïck Peyron FRA Gitana Eighty Bruce Farr July 2007 Sébastien Josse FRA BT (ex-Estrella Damm) Bruce Farr July 2007 Brian Thompson GBR Pindar Juan Kouyoumdjian July 2007 Alex Thomson GBR Hugo Boss 2 Finot-Conq July 2007 Michel Desjoyeaux FRA Foncia Bruce Farr July 2007 Derek Hatfield CAN Spirit of Canada Owen Clarke July 2007 Yann Elies FRA Generali Finot-Conq July 2007 Jean-Pierre Dick FRA Paprec - Virbac Bruce Farr February 2007 Jérémie Beyou FRA Delta Dore Bruce Farr September 2006 Dominique Wavre SUI Temenos 2 Owen Clarke September 2006 Vincent Riou FRA PRB Bruce Farr September 2006 Unai Basurko ESP Pakea Bizkaia Murray-Burns&Dovell 2005 Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty FRA Maisonneuve Angelo Lavranos 2005 Jean Le Cam FRA VM Matériaux Marc Lombard 2004 Roland Jourdain FRA Véolia Environnement (ex-Sill) Marc Lombard 2004 Bernard Stamm SUI Cheminées Poujoulat 2 (ex-Virbac/Paprec) Bruce Farr 2003 Samantha Davies GBR Roxy (ex-PRB) Finot-Conq 2000 Rich Wilson USA Great American III Nivelt 1999 Arnaud Boissières FRA Akéna Vérandas (ex-VMI/Sodeb’o) Finot-Conq 1998 Steve White GBR Spirit of Weymouth (ex-Gartmore) Finot-Conq 1998 Yannick Bestaven FRA Energies autour du monde Finot-Conq 1996 Raphaël Dinelli FRA Fondation Océan Vital Nandor Fa 1996 Norbert Sedlacek AUT Nauticsport Kapsch Joubert-Nivelt 1995

©JB Ep r o n 35 2008/2009 Or g a n i s e r s a n d r a ce d i r ec t o r s Four main axes

Ma n a g i n g a n e v e n t , w h i c h is a s i m p o r t a n t a s t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e is n o t s o m e t h i n g y o u i m p r o v i s e . Fo r t h e o r g a n i s e r s , f o u r m a i n a x e s w i l l g u i d e t h e r a c e d i r e c t o r s :

- guaranteeing the safety of the competitors throughout the race and start, and co-ordinate the reception of the public and the work around the public at the start and when the competitors finish. the yachts taking part. Between 18th October and 9th November a - guaranteeing, in collaboration with French Sailing Federation referees series of briefings will be organised to inform the skippers and their that the event is fair. teams, as well as the media about the organisational procedures that - Offering everyone, including press services, journalists and the public are put in place. the information they require, checking and detailing everything, so the • The fourth task is to manage to get the boats off to a good start on race can be easily understood. 9th November. All of the work carried out beforehand with the referees - maintaining the spirit of adventure that is behind the history of the from the French Sailing Federation should ensure that the start, a key Vendée Globe. moment in the Vendée Globe, takes part as smoothly as possible, in excellent conditions of safety, both for the racers and the public. The organisers have set up a team of four people under the responsibi- During the night of 9th November, most of the organisation moves to lity of Denis Horeau, who is the race director. It includes a native English Race Headquarters, although some of the race directors, will remain on speaker in order to ensure a link with foreign competitors. The whole the spot to ensure the reception of any competitors turning back. We team has a long experience of sailing competitions forged through the should add that the Port of Les Sables d’Olonne is the only one that Vendée Globe, the Figaro Single-Handed event, The Transat, as well competitors can stop at to carry out repairs. as the America’s Cup. • The fifth task is monitoring the race. From Race HQ at the foot of • The first task for the organisers was editing the Notice of Race. the Tour Montparnasse in Paris, the organisers carry out a permanent This work was carried out in collaboration with the IMOCA class, which watch around the clock. represents 60’ racers. The race texts define the framework of the event Until the final boat crosses the line, the arrangements will be the same: organisation: qualifying procedures, safety rules… - Monitoring the boats every thirty minutes •The second task is to define the course. - Analysing the trajectories, telephone conversations or contact by e- The definition of the course is always carried out, while keeping in mail with the boats mind the problems linked to the safety of the racers. The route needs - The rankings will be issued four times a day at given times (4h GMT, to conserve the sporting interest of the race, by leaving the racers 10h GMT, 15h GMT, 19H GMT) to the teams and media. enough route options, while ensuring safety constraints are respected, - Radio sessions with the competitors in particular making sure rescue teams from countries bordering the route taken by the competitors can intervene. In order to deal with any particular incident a crisis room is available, They also draw up the start conditions to ensure this takes part in the but we hope this will not be necessary. best possible conditions for the racers and the public, who turn out in The final task involves managing the finish of the race. increasing numbers to support them. From the end of January 2009, in other words just a few days before • The third task is setting up the operational details for the race. the first competitors are likely to finish, the organisers will move back From 15th September, the organisation moves into the executive phase to Les Sables d’Olonne. They will then have to put in place the proce- and sets up in Les Sables d’Olonne. This means welcoming the com- dures for the finish, in order to ensure that the welcome given to all the petitors, who must moor their boat at the Vendée Globe pontoon by competitors corresponds to their achievement and the adventure they 18th October at 10h. They then have to set up safety checks before the have experienced with all the emotions they have offered us.

36 2008/2009 Sa f e t y Innovative feature

Wi t h e a c h edition o f t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e , n e w m e a s u r e s a r e p u t in p l a c e t o e n s u r e t h e b e s t p o s s i b l e l e v e l o f s a f e t y f o r t h e y a c h t s m e n . Ev e n if in t h i s f i e l d , eliminating a l l r i s k s is i m p o s s i b l e , b o t h t h e Ve n d é e p u b l i c -p r i v a t e p a r t n e r s h i p a n d t h e r a c e d i r e c t o r s d o t h e i r u t m o s t t o minimise p o t e n t i a l l y d a n - g e r o u s s i t u a t i o n s .

Times are changing. This was something that was already clear in the event. After the parade of boats, as they leave Port Olona, which is one 2004-2005 Vendée Globe, when Vincent Riou and Jean Le Cam at the of the emotional highlights, each boat will head for their own allotted front of the fleet were surprised to find themselves confronting a huge safe area. Around sixty or so RIBs with lifeboatmen on board will take number of icebergs at unusual latitudes. Global warming may be to care of the fleet to avoid any collisions in the start phase. blame, as the large pieces of ice break away much more quickly than in the past and float up towards the south of New Zealand… To avoid As in previous editions, Jean-Yves Chauve will be the official race me- the Vendée Globe becoming rather like a game of Russian Roulette, the dical officer. With his perfect knowledge of the yachtsmen, his medical race directors have therefore put gates in place to stop the competitors expertise and his awareness of the constraints in ocean racing today, going too far south. These arrangements were already in place in 2004 he has become a vital element in the safety arrangements. The same –2005, but have now been strengthened with a larger number of gates. is true of Alain Gautier, the winner of the 1992-1993 edition, who is also The other advantage of this is that the competitors will sail much more an expert in safety procedures and will be acting as a consultant to the closely to the Australian continent, making it easier if required, to call race directors, if any critical situation develops. upon the rescue services. Another innovative feature : CLS (Collecte Localisation Satellites), the exclusive worldwide operator of the Argos To finish, for the first time this year, the Vendée Globe is setting up a system, will be supplying the organisers with iceberg detection reports special information service for the rescue services, who may have to based on satellite radar data. The echo from icebergs larger than 150 become involved in the race. All the details about the competitors: metres in length can be identified using these pictures. These reports photos of the boat, the colour of the hull, race number, the yachtsman’s are then distributed to all of the competitors. experience, etc. will be compiled on a special website reserved for the rescue teams, so they can consult the information in real time before If you are talking about safety in this event, you also need to consider any intervention. This means important time savings and is indicative of the key moments, like the start. It was clear to all back in Novem- the desire of the Vendée Globe organisers to work in close collaboration ber 2004 : the sail area off Les Sables d’Olonne was swamped with with the authorities of each country involved. pleasure boats, passenger craft and indeed, the strangest vessels you could imagine, as everyone was keen to get a glimpse of the racers. We can imagine that in 2008 the start will lure even more people, attracted by the quality of the line-up and the ever-growing enthusiasm for the

37 2008/2009 Th e v i l l a g e The Race Village in Les Sables d’Olonne: as big as the event itself!

Fr o m 18t h Oc t o b e r t o 9t h No v e m b e r , h u n d r e d s o f t h o u s a n d visitors a r e e x p e c t e d t o p a s s t h r o u g h t h e Ra c e Vi l l a g e in Po r t Ol o n a . On the Place du Vendée Globe, alongside the race pontoon, with com- Jo y f u l c e l e b r a t i o n s in t h e v i l l a g e . pletely free access to the public, the village simply had to reflect the ex- For this year’s event, the organisers really wanted to make the Vendée ceptional character of this year’s Vendée Globe. The village stretches Globe Village a festive location at the heart of Les Sables d’Olonne. out over more than 15,000 square metres, 9000 of which are covered. There will therefore be a lot of events being organised: • During the three weeks that the Village remains open, visitors Visitors will able to discover: to Port Olona will be able to enjoy world music groups coming from countries with a strong maritime heritage • An 800 square metre multimedia area presenting the race (18th –19th October: Ireland and the skippers with a series of films, displays and models. 25th – 26th October: South Africa It is in this area that the local TV station, TV Vendée will be 29th October-2nd November: Mexico organising live meetings, which will be broadcast in the Village 3rd –8th November: Colombia) and across the Vendée department. • For the first time the Vendée Globe pontoon will remain open • A 600 square metre educational area, where more than in the evenings from 7 to 9. It will be the ideal grandstand to 10,000 schoolchildren will be able to view the history of sailing, allow the public to enjoy music and a light show lasting around our maritime heritage, the oceans and the environment using ten minutes, which will be highlighting the Vendée Globe boats. the Vendée Globe as an educational tool. This show will be put on four times each evening. • An area dedicated to the partners of the Vendée Globe and to the sponsors of the boats, who will be presenting their busines- Im p r o v e d m e d i a r e c e p t i o n facilities. ses and their involvement in sailing and ocean racing. The organisers are expecting around 700 journalists to visit the Village • A commercial village, where firms and shopkeepers will be in Les Sables d’Olonne. A media centre measuring more than 1000 able to exhibit and sell their products based around two the- square metres on three floors will be available to them just in front of mes, «Prospering Vendée», and the «Sea and sea sports.» the Vendée Globe pontoon. Areas will be reserved for the print media • Dining areas, reception rooms and PR facilities spread over and radios, as well as websites. TV stations will be given more space more than 2000 square metres. These areas will also be hosting for video editing within the 800 square metre organisers’ area, as well as live shows. special parking bays for outside broadcast vans between 31st October and 9th November. Once again, the Vendée private-public partnership, the event organiser, wishes to stress the fact that the Vendée Globe is aimed at the general h e s t a r t a k e y m o m e n t in t h i s p o p u l a r e v e n t public. As for each race, the Vendée Globe pontoon is freely accessible T : . On Sunday 9th November at nine in the morning, the fleet of fishing to visitors. The public can really get up close to the boats and skippers boats will lead the competitors out to sea. They will sail together along and this is what gives the Vendée Globe such a unique, friendly and the coast until they reach Bourgenay Buoy, before setting sail at the open atmosphere, which you simply cannot find anywhere else. start at two minutes past one in the afternoon. The spectators can thus admire the competitors from dry land or out at sea.

38 39 2008/2009 Ra ce He a d q u a r t e r s Vendée Globe Race Headquarters in Paris

Fr o m 10t h No v e m b e r u n t i l t h e e n d o f Ja n u a r y 2009, t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e is in Pa r i s . Th e r a c e is s e tt i n g u p i t s HQ a t t h e f o o t o f t h e To u r Mo n t p a r n a s s e . Th i s p l a c e , w h i c h is t h e r e a l l u n g s o f t h e e v e n t , o p e - r a t i n g a s a l i n k b e t w e e n t h e r a c e r s a n d s h o r e , w i l l b e w o r k i n g 24 h o u r s a d a y , w i t h t h e r a c e d i r e c t o r s b a s e d h e r e k e e p i n g a c o n s t a n t e y e o n t h e c o m p e t i t o r s t a k i n g p a r t in t h i s r a c e a r o u n d t h e w o r l d . Th i s 700-s q u a r e m e t r e a r e a w i l l b e o p e n t o t h e p u b l i c e v e r y d a y f r o m 10 a.m. t o 7 p.m. Th e h a l l w i l l a l - l o w u p t o 200 p e o p l e t o a tt e n d t h e r a d i o s e s s i o n s w i t h t h e r a c e r s , w h i c h t a k e p l a c e e v e r y d a y a t 11 a.m.

In this area open to the general public, when radio sessions are not un- From the editing and production rooms at Race HQ in Paris, the audio- A f i r s t ! derway, along with its partners, the Vendée private-public partnership visual production team will be receiving pictures from the skippers on It was important, given the exceptional line-up of this edition of the Ven- will be putting on events, in particular, displaying the use of satellite their computer servers around the clock. From these premises, they will dée Globe, to create a first concerning the presence of the race here. data, for safety purposes, as well as for studying the oceans and me- produce a daily summary of the race, which will then be broadcast on Throughout the whole race, the Tour Montparnasse will be displaying the teorology. the official website and TV stations. Thanks to high-capacity fibre optic colours of the Vendée Globe. The official race poster will cover almost cables linking Race HQ to satellite broadcast stations, they will thus be 3000 square metres of the western side of the tower between the 30th Those people, who are keenly interested in the race will be able to beaming out pictures around the world. and 54th floor of the Tour Montparnasse. This feature will be visible from attend the weekly Vendée Globe radio broadcast at Race HQ, taking all over the centre and west of Paris. The giant poster will be put in place place live in front of an audience and looking back on the week with The audio-visual production crew will be receiving pictures sent by the between the 18th October and the start of the race. At the same time, a analyses and commentaries from a number of guests. skippers and each day will produce a summary of the race, which will 140 square metre display will indicate the presence of Race HQ on the then be shown on the official website, as well as on various TV stations. open area in front of Montparnasse Railway Station. Apart from the race directors’ area and the hall that will be open to the The editorial team in charge of the official website, www.vendeeglobe. This will be the first time since its completion in 1972 that the tower will be general public, Race HQ will also include an area given over to the PR org. displaying colours other than its own. The involvement of the co-owners operations of partners and the sponsors of the boats. There will also be of the Tour Montparnasse was crucial in allowing this to happen for the a pressroom here open to French and foreign media correspondents. Please note that the radio sessions will exceptionally be taking place at first time. The editorial teams are also based at Race HQ. the Vendée stand at the Paris Boat Show from 5th to 14th December 2008.

40 41 2008/2009 Au d i o -v i s u a l p r o d u c t i o n a n d distribution

Th e a i m o f t h e 2008-2009 Ve n d é e Gl o b e is t o e n a b l e t h e w i d e s t c o v e r a g e p o s s i b l e o f t h e r a c e a n d c o m p e t i t o r s a n d t o o f f e r a l l o f t h e Fr e n c h a n d f o r e i g n m e d i a f r e e a n d n o n -e x c l u s i v e a c c e s s t o p i c t u - r e s o f t h e r a c e .

This sixth Vendée Globe is characterised by internationalisation and Th e s t a r t a n d a r r i v a l o f t h e w i n n e r l i v e o n TV the multiplication of new media: the development of digital TV on cable The Vendée partnership will co-produce a live international broad- and satellite, web TV, social networking sites, VOD, 3G mobile phones, cast: etc… • On Sunday 9th November for the start of the race: the boats hea- To adapt to the requirements of the new media, the audio-visual cove- ding out of the harbour, the parade of competitors and the start, rage of the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe will feature: • Then, the arrival of the winner and the other competitors during the following 36 hours. • Longer and wider access to rights-free pictures, r o d u c t i o n t e a m s c h e d u l e • The editing of daily and weekly subjects, which are free of rights for P The production teams will be on the spot: media use in French, English and throughout the world • In Les Sables d’Olonne, from 18th October • A major development in terms of international distribution. • At race HQ in Paris from 10th November • For the finish of all the competitors. All of the pictures produced by the organisers, as well as those co- ming from the boat owners will be free of rights for the French and fo- Co n t a c t s :

reign media for news coverage of the event (for all other uses, please Sea Events see the audio-visual appendix for the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe). Claude Bertrac & Erwan Riquier The Vendée private-public partnership will make available to TV sta- [email protected] +33 2 99 79 32 39 tions pictures of the competitors’ preparations, the atmosphere on Producteur TV Officiel the pontoons in Les Sables d’Olonne, the boats leaving through the harbour channel, the parade, the start of the race, Race HQ in Paris Helene Tzara International TV coordination and the competitors, as they finish the race. [email protected] tel : +33 1 46 42 34 62 A 3D chart to follow the race giving the positions of the entrants will skype : lntzara also be available each day. Ph o t o p r o d u c t i o n In order to make access to these pictures easier, the Vendée Globe The photographic team includes 4 well-known photographers (Vincent The photos taken by DPPI will be available free of rights for media Curutchet, Jean-Marie Liot, Mark Lloyd, Jacques Vapillon) and two co- use from the Race press office and in the media section of the official production team will be setting up the following distribution service: ordinators. They will be producing library photos from at sea and from Vendée Globe website www.vendeeglobe.org • Daily feeds to Globecast Paris, BT London and the UER in Geneva the air for all the competitors, but also studio portraits of the skippers. (more than 60 European TV stations are subscribers) DPPI will also be in charge of the post-production of the photos adap- Co n t a c t : • The setting up of a download server for the media on the web ting them to the various means of publication. Arnaud Letrésor DPPI +33 (0)1 41 49 00 20 Alongside these services, the production team is offering the media Moreover, the archives of DPPI, an agency founded in 1965, whose [email protected] editing, filming and broadcast services live from Les Sables d’Olon- photographers have followed every edition of the Vendée Globe, will ne. The cost of these services is given in the list of tariffs. be offering a wealth of resources presenting a photographic history of the Vendée Globe.

42 2008/2009 Le s i t e i n t e r n e t Of f i c i e l : www .v e n d e e g l o b e .o r g A new website for access to the news as it happens

Four years ago, the official Vendée Globe website smashed records for the number of visitors and pages visited and established itself as the favourite means of communication for the general public and the media around the world, totalling several hundred million pages visited.

The new website for the 2008 Vendée Globe will once again be at the forefront of technology and will offer several new features and sec- tions: • A web TV station with a daily summary of the race in pictures, • A live daily radio broadcast and regular programme slots, • Access to race news from your mobile, • A major virtual race game enabling players to race in real time, • A website dedicated to kids, offering daily news and information suiting their requirements, • A chart of the race and the rankings, which will be updated four times each day.

14 e d i t o r s providing i n t e r n a t i o n a l n e w s 14 editors and journalists from the Mer & Média agency will be working together 7 days a week from five in the morning to nine in the evening to ensure the latest news is available. They will also update the website in real time, as well as carrying out radio sessions and publishing press releases in French and English.

The editorial team will also be producing a live weekly radio broadcast from Race headquarters in Montparnasse, as well as a «Round Table of skippers» live from the Village in Port Olona from 1st November.

Simply visit www.vendeeglobe.org

43 2008/2009 Ve n d é e Co u n c i l Vendée, Sea Department

With the start of the 6th edition of the Vendée Globe in the autumn of After the finish of the Vendée Globe, the year 2009 will also be exceptio- 2008, Vendée is confirming its title as France’s “ Sea Department ”. nal in Vendée for sailing fans: a leg of the Figaro Race, a World Surfing Championship event, the establishment of a French ocean racing cen- With 250 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, its harbours (including Les tre… The Vendée Council, whose partnership was vital in the creation Sables d’Olonne, which is France’s sixth biggest), its beaches, its sea and continued success of the Vendée Globe, is doing its utmost to sports facilities, its boatyards (where 70% of French pleasure boat ma- develop this image of France’s leading ocean racing department. nufacturing is concentrated) and its fishing fleet, it has clearly had a marine vocation for a long time, and now this “ Everest of the Seas ” In particular, it set up in Les Sables d’Olonne a Vendée Globe centre. has made this known to the whole world. This ambitious project, right alongside the pontoons is designed to house Race HQ for the race and to become a training centre for skip- pers, so that Les Sables becomes the permanent home port for some of the yachtsmen and boats involved in the Vendée Globe.

44 2008/2009 To w n o f Le s Sa b l e s d’Ol o n n e Vendée, The heart of the Vendée Globe Sea Department is beating in Les Sables d’Olonne!

Th e p e o p l e o f Le s Sa b l e s c o n t i n u e t o s h o w t h e i r touan Lamazou, the winner of the first edition, which began back in 1989. p a s s i o n His round the world voyage bringing together portraits of women, «Wo- «The enormity of the adventure leads to huge excitemenat and passio- men of the World», just had to go on display in Les Sables d’Olonne. nate support from the whole of the population of our town for the Vendée This exhibition will be divided into two parts: photos on show at the Globe. The conversations continue in the four years between the events, Abbaye Ste-Croix Museum and drawings, measuring 1.50 m x 2 m, bringing together memories of past editions and images conjured up in displayed outside between the Place du Vendée Globe and the fishing the mind of what lies ahead.» harbour. Louis Guédon, MP and Mayor of Les Sables d’Olonne The Town also wanted to organise a museum exhibition dedicated to Paul-Emile Pajot, a local artist from la Chaume. His pictures and illus- m p r o v e m e n t s in t h e r e c e p t i o n o f f e r e d t o s k i p p e r s I trations tell the story of the fishermen from Les Sables-d’Olonne and the a n d t h e p u b l i c f o r 2008 maritime world of the early twentieth century. Co-organiser of the Vendée Globe from the first edition, a stakeholder and partner in the Vendée private-public partnership, the town of Les A Ra c e In f o r m a t i o n c e n t r e o p e n t h r o u g h o u t t h e Sables d’Olonne is developing its infrastructures for the Vendée Globe, in an attempt to improve the reception facilities and widen the events on e v e n t offer. The Village is extended to the quai de l’Amiral de la Gravière, at the The Town of Les Sables d’Olonne is setting up in front of the Town Hall entrance to Port Olona, and one lane of the boulevard de l’Ile Vertime a centre dedicated to the race, which will remain open until the first from 18th July to 9th November. competitor finishes. Following the reconstruction of the harbour storage area by the Town In this 200 square-meter area, the enthusiasts (96,000 visitors in 2004) of Sables d’Olonne, the newly created space close to the pontoons is will be given a positions sheet, which is updated twice daily. They will be being made available to the skippers and their support teams. After the able to follow the radio sessions, as they happen and, for the first time, Vendée Globe, this area will be turned into a fully equipped storage area in 2008 will be able to ask the skippers questions. for boats. Videos about the event will also be screened and the public will be able to attend weekly meetings with those involved in the marine sector. There will also be a reading room and Internet access facilities. h e d e s i r e t o s p r e a d t h e s p i r i t o f t h e e n d é e l o b e T V G Open every day, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., from t h r o u g h o u t t h e t o w n a n d t o b r i n g t o g e t h e r t h e 6th November. y a c h t i n g r a c e a n d t h e t o w n ’s c u l t u r a l h e r i t a g e Les Sables d’Olonne and the Vendée Globe are united as one in the Contact details: Isabelle Delaune, press attaché: 33 (0)6 20 53 90 14 minds of the population. The Vendée Globe is also synonymous with Ti- [email protected]; Mille et Une Vagues : 33 (0)1 55 38 98 20

45 2008/2009 So d e b ’O, m a i n p r i v a t e p a r t n e r Sodeb’O, a successful brand

In 35 y e a r s , t h e s m a l l p r o c e s s e d m e a t a n d c a t e r i n g c o m p a n y b a s e d in Ve n d é e h a s b e c o m e o n e o f t h e m o s t d y n a m i c f o o d g r o u p s in Fr a n c e . To a c h i e v e t h i s , t h e f i r m h a s c o n s t a n t l y i n n o v a t e d a n d i n v e s t e d in a u n i q u e p r o d u c t i o n s i t e s p r e a d o v e r 65 h e c t a r e s in Sa i n t -Ge o r g e s d e Mo n t a i g u in Ve n d é e , o f w h i c h 17 h e c t a r e s a r e g i v e n o v e r t o f a c t o r y u n i t s .

This site has seen the company experience some spectacular growth So d e b ’o, 10 y e a r s o f c o m m i t m e n t t o o c e a n r a c i n g So d e b ’o a n t t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e , c o m m o n v a l u e s and successful diversification: in 1978, Sodeb’O invented the first chilled pizza to go on sale in supermarkets and twenty years later, the For ten years the Sodeb’O brand has strengthened its brand notoriety The leading private partner back in 2004, Sodeb’O will be back again first single portion oval pizza. This year marks a small revolution for more than sixteen-fold, going from a 2 % recognition rate to more than for this new edition with its amazing line-up: «Vendée is both a rural Sodeb’O, with the launch of the most Italian of French pizzas. At the 33 % (source : IPSOS 2007). department and an area looking out to sea,» added Patricia Brochard. beginning of the century, Sodeb’O branched out into the manufacture Taking the strategic decision to become a major partner of major ocean «For more than twenty years, the Vendée Globe has offered sailors of sandwiches, rapidly coming to terms with the constraints linked to racing adventures, at the same as rapidly developing its notoriety, So- the possibility to embark on this global adventure sailing around the this new market and to the various distribution networks. Today, the deb’O has managed to build a strong brand image. Sodeb’O is more world, an adventure, which conveys our values, and we are proud to company offers a wide range of products under its brand name: crêpes, than ever convinced about the strength and coherence of a communi- be alongside and share this with the public. Sailing is a well-rounded savoury pancakes, pies and pastries, Asian specialities … cations strategy linked to ocean adventures. sport, which requires commitment in many different fields. The round the world voyage, whether we are talking about a race or a record This desire to succeed can be seen throughout this unusually united With confirmation of the media coverage resulting from these choices, attempt is a challenge, which is sporting, technological and human, a family, where fundamental values remain important. Indeed, Sodeb’O in 2008, the firm is present in single-handed multihull record attempts real school of life, which in many ways is similar to the business world. is a perfect example of a company being handed down from its foun- and at the same time in the Vendée Globe. The commitment of the sailors expresses this desire to undertake so- ders to their children. Since 2000, Joseph and Simone Bougro’s three Following his magnificent single-handed success with the North Atlantic mething, which is really what we do in the company too.» daughters - Marie-Laurence Gouraud, Patricia Brochard and Bénédicte record last July, Thomas Coville will be tackling the solo round the world Mercier – the Chair of the company, accompanied by Gaël Gouraud and record this winter, once again on the Sodeb’O maxihull. Meanwhile, In the framework of this new partnership with the Vendée Globe, So- Jean-François Brochard, both executive directors. the company based in Vendée has renewed its partnership with the deb’O is launching the «O’Tour du monde», a limited-edition series of Vendée Globe, the non-stop, single-handed race around the world for pizzas, sandwiches and pastries, inspired by recipes from the Carib- As the firm has matured, Sodeb’O has remained determined to give monohulls, «a double commitment, which enables us to build on the bean, India and Mexico. The firm is also committed to working along- a spirit to the brand. The company has developed a complete range image of Sodeb’O through simplicity, commitment and determination, side the thirty skippers from France and abroad, who will be lining up and a strong identity around its name by opting to become involved in the pillars of our brand and of ocean racing in general,» stressed Patri- at the start in Les Sables d’Olonne, by offering them ranges of breads ocean yachting, a major sport, which conveys the brand’s own values: cia Brochard, co-Chair of the Sodeb’O Group. and specially designed freeze-dried meals, drawn up with the help of taking up a challenge, showing commitment, humanity, performance, Thomas Coville to satisfy the energy requirements of yachtsmen. innovation, pleasure and freedom... Apart from being physically present at the Village in Les Sables d’Olon- ne and at Race HQ in Paris, Sodeb’O is also launching a mini interactive website to share with the general public the Vendée Globe adventure.

Contact details: Publicis Link – Champs Médias Corine Renié Péretié / Bertrand Chenaud / Mathilde Mermod Tel : 33 (0)1 56 21 20 74 - [email protected]

46 2008/2009 IMOCA Cl a s s Dealing with its success

Th e Ve n d é e Gl o b e is t h e m a j o r d a t e o n t h e IMOCA c l a s s c a l e n d a r a n d t h e 2008-2009 edition c a n b e d e s c r i b e d a s e x c e p t i o n a l . It is p r o o f o f t h e c u r r e n t v i g o u r o f t h e c l a s s . It a l s o b e a r s w i t n e s s t o t h e c o m m i t m e n t o f i t s c r e a t o r s , Is a b e l l e Au t i s s i e r , Ch r i s t o p h e Au g u i n , Al a i n Ga u t i e r a n d Je a n -Lu c Va n De n He e d e , a l l o f w h o m t o o k p a r t in t h e 1992 Ve n d é e Gl o b e , a n d t h e i r d e s i r e t o e s t a b l i s h r u l e s g u a r a n t e e i n g f a i r n e s s a n d w i t h t h e w a t c h w o r d b e i n g s a f e t y .

Since the development of the IMOCA class on this basis, one thing has Th e c a l l o f t h e o p e n s e a s been clear: the IMOCA Class can be proud of its extraordinary health, as We cannot forget that major events, and in particular, the Vendée Globe, this 2008 Vendée Globe gets underway. No fewer than eighteen brand have made the IMOCA class what it is. That is why we maintain our new boats in the same race is something that has never happened be- goal of wishing to see a round the world voyage every two years. The fore. Now, it is has to ensure that the movement is a lasting one. idea of alternating a single-handed and two-handed race seems to us to be particularly attractive. The 60’ monohulls are ocean birds: we do Giving priority to ocean races, with rules that limit any excesses and not wish to see them fall out of the skies in races, which do not suit ensure safety, while establishing an attractive race calendar: this is the their configuration. programme for the IMOCA world championship. With the backing of the French Sailing Federation, recognised by ISAF, we would like today Sa f e t y to develop and make our Championship a lasting one. For beyond this Over the past few years, changes in class rules have led to major Vendée Globe that everyone believes will be exceptional, we have to advances in the safety of our monohulls. Self-righting tests, capsize find the perfect balance, so that sponsors and skippers can in the next tests, improvements in passive safety arrangements are among the four years before the following race, take advantage of this success most important developments for these monohulls. In the same way, and popularity. there are rules, which are in general linked to safety, while remaining open enough to allow projects and designers to fully express themsel- An i n t e r n a t i o n a l g o a l ves, thus contributing to the evolution of sailing in general. However, One of the objectives that the class gave itself is in the process of let there be no mistake: in such euphoria, it is sometimes tempting to bearing its fruit: they wanted to set up a truly international association. forget the principles, which have allowed us to blossom. The Vendée Today the IMOCA class brings together more than thirty skippers of Globe, which gives a rhythm to the IMOCA world championship, will seven different nationalities and a number of projects are underway in doubtless reward great champions and great sailors, but will also teach Anglo-Saxon countries and in Spain. Just as the circuit has attracted us a lot of lessons that we will be pleaded to learn from; major maritime firms with an international dimension, Europe is not lacking in talented adventures remain what guides us in our actions. yachtsmen, who could join in with this. That is why, it seems to us vital to develop original events to help to promote the 60’ Open boats, which are really fantastic machines. After the Barcelona World Race, the European IMOCA Pro Tour, which will be sailing into various European towns in September 2009 is one of the answers that we have found.

47 2008/2009 Of f i c i a l s u pp l i e r s

Yv e s Co u g n a u d , ZODIAC, Of f i c i a l s u p p l i e r o f s e m i - CLS, Of f i c i a l s u p p l i e r o f t r a c - Of f i c i a l s u p p l i e r f o r rigid c r a f t f o r t h e s i x t h edition o f t h e k i n g d a t a f o r t h e 2008-2009 Ve n d é e Go b e Ra c e HQ Ve n d é e Gl o b e Ve n d é e Gl o b e

The Vendée public-private partnership has chosen the Yves Cougnaud company as official supplier of modular constructions in order to set up Race HQ in Paris and a media centre in Les Sables d’Olonne. ZODIAC, a brand name, which is a reference in inflatable boats, is CLS will be tracking the boats taking part in the 2008 Vendée Globe joining up with the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe to become the official throughout the race. Thanks to this position data, race HQ can draw France’s leading builder of modular constructions, the Yves Cougnaud supplier of semi-rigid craft for the prestigious non-stop solo round the up the rankings, supply the public with a chart, while at the same time company offers lasting constructions, which are economic and res- world sailing race. improve the safety of the skippers at sea. pect the environment (headquarters, schools, offices...) and also has a This year as an exclusive experiment, CLS is offering the Vendée Globe rental sector (almost 30,000 units) with five logistical and sales centres To coincide with this legendary event, ZODIAC is creating a limited its know-how in radar data analysis and the modelling of ocean cur- covering France. series of 60 fully equipped boats, which have been carefully prepared rents to detect the presence of icebergs and forecast their movement to suit the requirements of the organiser. around Antarctica. The firm will build the following units for the 2008 Vendée Globe: «Since its creation, ZODIAC has always been at the forefront of progress in the boating sector. It is not by chance that this year, it has become the Over a period of more than twenty years, CLS has equipped thousands A media centre in Les Sables d’Olonne official race supplier providing the organisers with 60 inflatable boats,» of yachtsmen with beacons. These beacons send out a message to- 1060 m2 in two storeys with a terrace separated out into: explained Roland Jourdain, Skipper of Veolia Environnement. wards a satellite, which sends them back to a network of dishes on - press conference halls, Earth. This message is then sent to the CLS data processing centre, - meeting rooms, Numbered from 1 to 60, the boats that have been specially selected which works around the clock, 365 days a year. It is the CLS data - journalists’ offices… are Pro Open 650 « Vendée Globe » ZODIACS fitted with Yamaha F150 processing centre, which interprets the positions of the skippers and AETX-EFI engines, hydraulic steering, a built-in tank with a capacity supplies Race HQ with the data. To detect the presence of icebergs and Race HQ in Paris of 120 litres, removable buoyancy tubes, a self-draining cockpit, and to forecast their movement, CLS has developed a solution, currently 700 m2 on one level divided into: which come fully equipped with safety equipment with 5 ZODIAC Crui- being trialled, which should allow: - radio session hall open to the public, ser 150 self-inflating jackets. These 60 boats will be on sale at the • The establishment of danger zones. - reception and meeting rooms, special price of 33,300 € inclusive of tax*. • The forecast of the drift and melting of the icebergs accor- - offices dedicated to the organisers, ding to the currents and the surface temperature, the wind, the - rest areas… Having sold more than a million inflatable boats since the company was shape of the iceberg, and its size. founded, ZODIAC is now the global leader in inflatable boats for the • The adjustment of the drift forecast thanks to observation The Yves Cougnaud Company in short: pleasure, military and professional sectors. data from satellite radar in the Sub-Antarctic zone (around 50° Number of employees: 1020 With all the experience the company has acquired, the ongoing inno- South). On these radar pictures, we can in fact obtain a real Turnover of Yves Cougnaud 07/08: 218 million euros vations from ZODIAC offer amateur sailors and the most skilled profes- picture of icebergs of a significant size (>150m). 3 production units in the La Roche sur Yon area (production capacity sionals pleasure and safety throughout their product range: semi-rigid CLS, worldwide operator of the Argos System, employs around 300 of 1000 m2/day) boats, foldaway inflatables, liferafts and life jackets. staff: 225 at the headquarters in France, and 75 in its ten offices and 5 logistical and sales centres (in various French departments all over subsidiaries around the world. France: Department numbers: 91 / 13 / 31 / 85 / 69). * For the list of distributors taking part in the operation For more information, visit course.cls.fr visit www.zodiacmarine.com Contact details: Contact details: Christophe COUGNAUD Contact details: Amélie PROUST Yves COUGNAUD Company Matthieu Coulon [email protected] Parc d’Activités de Beaupuy 2 - Mouilleron-le-Captif Communication Manager Tel : +33 (0)5. 61. 39.37.95 85 035 La Roche sur Yon Cedex - France [email protected] Port : +33 (0)6 62 80 45 92 Tel : +33 (0)2 51 05 85 85 +33 (0)6 09 65 69 68 www.yves-cougnaud.fr

48 Th e To u r Mo n t p a r n a s s e j o i n s t h e r a c e Th e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e a t t h e s t a r t o f t h e Ve n d é e Gl o b e The co-owners of the Tour Montparnasse are proud that their tower is to be the venue for the Vendée Globe Race HQ. For five editions now, the Vendée Chamber of Commerce has taken Back on 16th October 2007, the co-owners agreed to allow the esta- part in the race, which is covered around the world and absolutely blishment of the Vendée Globe Race HQ in the central area between delights the French. Alongside the Vendée private-public partnership, the buildings. it financially contributes to the Vendée Globe every four years. The co-owners wished to associate themselves with such a global challenge with its sporting values and ambitious level of human en- This year, the Chamber of Commerce has decided to focus its activi- deavour: it is a way for them to establish a link between their famous ties on the key moment that is the start of the race on 9th November skyscraper and this great sailing race. 2008. For the first time, the Tour will be hoisting a sail : a 3300 square metre decal covering the upper floors of the Tour, which will inform Paris It offers each company in Vendée the possibility of being present at and the surrounding region of the event. The co-owners would like to the Cabaude site in Les Sables d’Olonne, where they can carry out an thank the City of Paris authorities for giving special dispensation to external communications plan by inviting clients and suppliers, and allow this. internal communications by asking their workers to come along. Other events will make the end of the year a special occasion: screens showing pictures of the race in the entrance halls and corridors, an All of those involved and their guests will line up alongside the harbour online game for those, who work here… channel in an area called «Neptune Square», a special place, where With this event and going beyond it, the co-owners wish to emphasise they will be able to view the 30 skippers, as they make their way to their dynamic approach and the modernisation of these buildings and the start. the overall site. They will then head off to the Vendée Globe Village, to experience the Contact details: start together as they attend a friendly luncheon. Sophie Giuglaris [email protected] More than 800 people have already signed up. Tél : +33 (0)1 45 35 34 02 Port : +33 (0)6 82 43 23 12 They will be able to take part in this prestigious event and share in the fervour associated with the spirit of the Vendée Globe.

Moreover, in its role as harbourmaster, the Chamber of Commerce will allow 90 passenger boats, carrying more than 15,000 people to accom- pany the skippers out to sea for the start of the race.

Press contact : [email protected]

49 50 Conception - Creation : Mer & Média / Rennes (+33 (0)2 99 23 83 83)

Graphism : G. Verdon / Mer & Média

Editorial : Mer & Média / Pierre-François Bonneau, Bruno Ménard, Laure Faÿ, Pierre Giboire

Photo Credits : DPPI (Christophe Baudry, Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, Jacques Vapillon, Mark Lloyd, John Nash), Benoit Stichelbaut, Thierry Martinez, Gilles Martin-Raget - Guilain Grenier - Yvan Zedda - Services de presse des skippers - DR

Press pack printed on paper from sustainable forests www.vendeeglobe.org

Co n t a c t o r g a n i s a t i o n / Or g a n i s a t i o n c o n t a c t : SEM Vendée - Sophie Vercelletto +33 2 51 44 91 07 [email protected]

Co n t a c t p r e s s e / Pr e s s c o n t a c t : Liliane Fretté Communication [email protected] Téléphone +33 (0)1 42 56 60 60 Fax 01 42 56 60 47

In t e r n a t i o n a l m e d i a r e l a t i o n s : OKTOPOD [email protected] + 33 870 445 085 / + 33 970 445 085 (skype in) skype : oktopodcy (02 99 23 83 83) e n n e s / R é d i a & M e r © M