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24 November 2024

The Vendée Globe: preparing for the extreme

In order to tackle three months of sailing the planet's most treacherous oceans, skippers devote years to their preparations: from physical and mental training to boat tuning and strategies for dealing with loneliness, stress and the most extreme conditions. Behind every departure is a journey: a preparatory process that is in itself a victory!

Ulysses, a symbol of endurance, cunning and determination

On the docks at Les Sables d'Olonne, one man stood tall to give his blessing to the 40-strong fleet of skippers as they set out on the Vendée Globe on 10th November at 13:02, a man who will be there waiting for the skippers’ return after circling the globe. And that man is Ulysses, his statue at least, created by artist Christophe Charbonnel, a tribute to the very spirit of the Vendée Globe. Inspired by the hero of Greek myth, the statue is positioned in the harbour waters, only partly visible in high tide. Ulysses, a symbol of endurance, cunning and determination, is the perfect embodiment of the heroic journey these sailors have taken on, pushing themselves to the same limits at sea as those faced by Ulysses.

It was a touching and emotional moment to see the boats set sail, leaving behind a crowd of more than 300,000 people, lined up along the sides of the legendary Les Sables d'Olonne canal at dawn to give a worthy sendoff to those heroic solo sailors. Sailors, who when parting from their loved ones hid nothing of their humanity: overwhelming feelings, tears, hugs, shared with friends and relatives.

The Vendée Globe: How skippers prepare for the ocean challenge par excellence

Diet, sleep, research and sailing

Embarking on the Vendée Globe is more than just a sporting challenge, it is an extreme human endeavour, in which sailors must rely on no one else but themselves, taking nature and the sea head on in complete solitude for over three months. The preparation of a solo sailor primed to embark on such a test of will is a true training journey that involves several levels: nutrition, first aid skills, sleep management, meteorology and advanced technological knowledge are just a few of the key aspects at the heart of this challenge before the challenge. In order to survive and complete the competition, each participant must be the perfect jack-of-all-trades, a person capable of facing any challenge and solving problems on a boat, a houseboat for all intents and purposes, all while travelling at 20-30 knots.

Diet: How do solo sailors eat during such a race?

A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining the right amount of energy. Skippers consume freeze-dried meals and energy-dense foods, which, in addition to meeting nutritional requirements, must also be easy to consume in difficult conditions. Protein bars, high-energy snacks, dried fruit and chocolate are all valuable allies, while salt supplements help stabilise their electrolyte balance, which is essential for hydration and endurance. Sailors are required to carefully plan out their calorie requirements, which will vary according to weather conditions and daily energy expenditure. During a storm, when every manoeuvre requires greater effort and endurance, energy consumption can even triple.

What first aid skills are required for the Vendée Globe?

In the middle of the ocean, first aid is a necessity that every sailor must master. Crews undergo intensive first aid courses, where they learn to perform procedures such as suturing, immobilising fractures and taking care of burns. Among the most common risks is that of injury during manoeuvres or repairs on board. Every sailor must have the presence of mind and dexterity to suture a wound and keep on going, knowing full well that no doctor will be coming to the rescue. These skills are indispensable for overcoming emergencies without any assistance.

How do the skippers manage their sleeping hours during the race?

Managing sleep is essential. Sailing alone means having to manage sleep in micro-cycles. To avoid accidents and stay on course, sleep is divided into short periods of 20-30 minutes, a method known as “polyphasic sleep”. This technique, although challenging, allows sailors to maintain their energy for long periods of time, and is practised throughout the preparatory phases leading up to the race.

Discovery our solo sailors

What technical skills are a must for every skipper?

During the Vendée Globe, each skipper must be a true jack-of-all-trades. They must know how to repair sails, ropes and handle mechanical failures. Knowing these skills is crucial for the safety and continuity of the race. Each boat is equipped with sophisticated technological tools that require specific knowledge for their management and maintenance.

How do Vendée Globe skippers use technology and meteorology?

Knowledge of meteorology is essential for Vendée Globe sailors, allowing them to anticipate ocean conditions. Using advanced instrumentation, skippers monitor the weather, choose strategic courses and stay informed of the position of other boats.

A floating repair shop

Every sailor learns how to handle resins, cables and tools, turning the boat into a small repair shop. Being capable of intervening in the event of a failure can make the difference between continuing the race or having to abandon the boat.

Interesting facts from the world of solo sailing

For those fascinated by the life of a solo sailor, here are a few interesting and perhaps even surprising facts. Many sailors choose to take a custom playlist or a bunch of films with them in order to cope with moments of loneliness. Some talk to lucky stuffed animals, while the on-board routine becomes a daily ritual that helps them stay mentally focused.

Such preparation, made up of technical details, practical skills and mental strength, makes the Vendée Globe one of the most incredible challenges in the world. Every sailor who participates in this adventure embodies the spirit of resilience, adaptability and a passion for the sea that fascinates millions. Preparing for the Vendée Globe means not only training for a competition but becoming a stronger and a more complete version of yourself, capable of facing and overcoming the ocean's most unpredictable challenges.

Clothing: a close ally during the Vendée Globe

During the Vendée Globe, every gram of weight, every centimetre of space, can make the difference. Technical clothing is not just about comfort, but a strategic choice for tackling extreme climates, from freezing southern storms to the heat of the trade winds.

Technology and Innovation

Waterproof jackets, thermal layers and breathable fabrics provide protection and mobility, reducing the risks of hypothermia or overheating. Cutting-edge technology, such as that developed by SLAM, turns the IMOCA 60s into floating workshops for ever-improving items of clothing, which must always be water-resistant and quick to dry.

Skippers select a few essential, multifunctional lightweight garments. Helmets, belts and non-slip boots protect against shocks and waves, while reflective clothing increases visibility in an emergency. A dry garment can affect morale and lucidity, making clothing an essential element throughout, not only from a technical standpoint but also psychologically, an element that accompanies skippers for the duration of their incredible ocean adventure.

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