Nine months from the start of the Vendée Globe, the skipper of Mirabaud is completely absorbed with preparing for what is one of the toughest challenges in sport: a sprint around the world powered by sail, alone, with no stopovers or outside assistance. We asked Dominique what the next few months have in store.
Dominique Wavre: “It is true that this is a very special year for me and that all my energy is focused on the Vendée Globe. The yacht is currently in the yard and coordinating the work is taking up most of my time. I am also training hard to be as fit as possible for the event.”
Why are you doing the work on the boat now?
Dominique Wavre: “Our Vendée Globe preparations are very carefully set out. We create a retro-plan that includes the training sessions, testing sessions, structural work, technical checks, etc. Planning is absolutely key to succeeding in a race like this, it is often said that these events are won or lost before the start. In my mind and that of my team, the race has already begun.”
What sort of work are you doing on the boat?
Dominique Wavre: “We are mainly improving the ergonomics of the boat and adapting the deck layout for single-handed sailing, if you remember, the last two races we did were double-handed. One of the changes will be a spray dodger so that I am slightly more protected from the elements, and there are other modifications going on that I would rather not mention at this stage…”
Is it possible to improve the performance of the boat?
Dominique Wavre: “From a structural point of view, Mirabaud is as good as it can get, so we are focussing more on the sails. We are allowed 10 in total for the Vendée Globe and it’ll be all about selecting the right ones!”
What timeframe are you currently working to?
Dominique Wavre: “We would like to get the boat back in the water as quickly as possible so that I can start training. I am hoping for strong winds in April and May so that I can do some heavy weather training. After that, in the summer, conditions tend to get lighter. Then we will get on with the structural tests, absolutely everything will need to be checked, and there will be the provisioning and so it goes…”
Have you already formed an opinion on the other competitors?
Dominique Wavre: “Yes, of course! One thing is certain; the competition is going to be tough. There will be approximately 20 competitors on the start line with some of the greatest sailors of the moment onboard some very high performance boats. The economic situation has kept the smaller teams away this time leaving the fleet packed with strong teams. The competition is going to be fantastic.”
