17 Class40 monohulls and 5 Ocean Fifty trimarans will set off from Les Sables d'Olonne for a 1000-mile loop. As the weather window did not allow them to round the Fastnet lighthouse at the southern tip of Ireland as originally planned, the competitors will have to make their way via the Plateau de Rochebonne, the Occidentale de Sein, a way-point off La Corogne, the Jument des Glénans and the Gironde estuary.
On this equally complete and technical route, the challenge is twofold: to get to grips with solo racing and to qualify for the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe.
In order to be in the best possible condition, the Crosscall skipper organized specific preparation for solo sailing: "I worked with Gérald Véniard, a leading figure in the Figaro class and the man behind the Skipper Macif solo training program. The idea was to sail with someone who has a lot of experience, so as to acquire the right maneuvering methods, minimize mistakes and avoid skipping stages, which is always tempting in the heat of the moment."
The 1000 Milles des Sables will be ideal for Aurélien to perfect his solo Crosscall bearings, but also to optimize the modifications made on board: "The boat is already in Route du Rhum mode and this race will enable us to validate the system. Overall, we've simplified a lot of things to make it a little easier physically too," confides Aurélien, who is quick to point out that fatigue management is the cornerstone of solo sailing.
The big difference between solo and double-handed sailing is sleep. When you're double-handed, you're on a 1.5-hour watch, whereas when you're single-handed, you're on a 20-minute watch, but you have to keep your wits about you to manage and anticipate problems. You have to be able to set yourself limits and stick to them, and that's not always easy with the adrenalin of racing!
Aurélien Ducroz, skipper Class40 Crosscall
"The big difference between solo and double is sleep. When you're double-handed, you do 1h30 shifts, and here you do 20 min shifts, while remaining lucid to manage and anticipate problems. You have to be able to set yourself limits and stick to them, and that's not always easy with the adrenaline of racing!"
Aurélien Ducroz, skipper Class40 Crosscall
RACE PROGRAM
Departure from Baie des Sables on Saturday, April 9 at 2:30 p.m.
Depending on weather conditions, the first Class40s are expected to arrive on the night of Thursday to Friday, April 15.
To follow the race on the map go HERE
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