“Solidarity amongst sailors”

Dominique and Michèle’s current misfortunes have brought out a strong show of solidarity amongst many sailors who have been through the same experience.  In the same way that a Formula1 that never breaks anything will never be on the podium, sailing at this level means pushing the limits and the risk of dismasting is unfortunately part of the game.
Michel Desjoyeaux, leader of the Barcelona World Race before losing his mast, gave us his point of view:  “I really feel for them as I’ve been there too.  When something like this happens, you are totally focused on dealing with the emergency and you don’t have time to think.  Once the situation is stable and the boat and crew are out of danger, that’s when it hits you.  Often the hardest problems to overcome occur after the initial incident, and it’s not always easy to deal with them.  In Dominique and Michèle’s case, the most important thing is that they are safe and well and weren’t injured.  At the end of the day, this kind of thing teaches us that we are stronger than we think in the face of adversity.  I’ve no doubt they will be able to get over this.”
Equally sympathetic of Dominique and Michèle is Etienne David, who will be setting off this autumn on his Transat 6.50.  “After such a long race, this is so hard.  They had made it round Cape Horn which has always been considered the point of deliverance.  They were in a good position, largely down to good boat handling, routing and boat-preparation.”
Etienne David is also a Cape Horn veteran, having raced around the world on Pierre Fehlmann’s team.  “I’m relatively new to single-handed sailing and I have so much respect for these guys; what they do is so extreme.  Dominique will always find the resources to bounce back, and I’d like to sincerely congratulate him and wish him the best of luck for the next Vendée Globe.  He really deserves full respect and support.”