Pierre-Louis Attwell's sailing journey

At 30 years old, the Norman skipper Pierre-Louis Attwell will start on Sunday the Route du Rhum on his Imoca RESILIENT. A real challenge for someone who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease during his adolescence.

Childhood memories of sailing

Pierre-Louis Attwell recalls his first memory of offshore racing as the village of the Transat Jacques Vabre. He grew up in the north of Normandy and used to go around the basin with his little brother, looking for autographs from sailors. Now, he is the one signing autographs for young people who come to see him.

From educator to sailor

After working as a sports educator and running a sailing school in Honfleur, Attwell met sailor Claire Pruvot. She introduced him to the world of offshore racing, and it eventually inspired him to pursue his own sailing career. His Crohn's disease diagnosis gave him the audacity to pursue his childhood dream.

Living with Crohn's disease

Pierre-Louis has lived with Crohn's disease since the age of 15. The disease has changed how he prepares for races and deals with the unexpected. He sees the unpredictability of the disease as a resource, helping him prepare in advance while embracing life with more lightness.

RESILIENT and the message behind it

For people affected by invisible disabilities, it is important to have life goals. Attwell says that the name RESILIENT represents this message. He wants to encourage people with invisible disabilities to set goals and pursue their dreams, no matter how small the efforts may seem.

Transition to a larger boat

Moving from a Class40 to an IMOCA boat is a major change. The IMOCA is larger, more technical, and requires a bigger team. Attwell now has seven crew members, compared to just two in the Class40. The boat also has more complex systems and a pendulum keel.

Dealing with the challenges of a larger boat

Attwell acknowledges that the larger boat requires more effort and vigilance. He emphasizes the importance of not being overtaken by the machine and staying in anticipation. As a patient, he is used to anticipating challenges.

Sporting goals for the race

Attwell's boat is from 2018, making it difficult to win or make a podium. However, he aims to finish in the top three among the boats with keels. He sees this as a realistic goal for the Route du Rhum.

Modifications for the Vendée Globe

The boat has seen ergonomic improvements, but there are still areas to refine, especially regarding sails. These are easier to change since they are considered consumables. Attwell is already thinking about the next Vendée Globe and considering changes beyond ergonomics.

Medical preparation for the race

Attwell is preparing medically as well as technically and physically. He will use portable ultrasound and a videocapsule to monitor his Crohn's disease during the race. These tools will be used to ensure his condition remains stable at sea.

Managing alone at sea

The biggest challenge of managing alone at sea is dealing with major breakdowns. The boat is large and difficult to maneuver, especially in the event of an energy failure. Attwell is doubling his vigilance and conducting final checks in Saint-Malo.

Avoiding past mistakes

Attwell learned from his first races that not getting enough sleep can lead to fatigue and mistakes. Now, he prioritizes rest and tries to start each race well-rested to ensure safety and performance.

Race duration and sleep schedule

The Route du Rhum will last between 12 and 15 days. The first few days will be crucial for positioning in the trade winds. Sleep will be limited initially, with short naps once in the Atlantic. Overall, he expects to sleep between five and seven hours over 24 hours.

Reassuring and worrying sounds on board

The sound of the automatic pilot's screw reassures Attwell. Unfamiliar sounds worry him, as they may indicate a problem. He is used to the normal sounds of the boat and knows what to expect.

Personal lucky charm

Attwell carries a spoon for dehydrated meals, which he considers his lucky charm. His father gave it to him when he started sailing, and he has used it in every race since.

Pre-departure checks

Before leaving, Attwell checks that his playlist is up to date. Music helps him stay motivated, awake, and relaxed during the race.

Message behind the project

Beyond the sporting aspect, Attwell wants people to remember the message of daring to talk about their disease, disability, or constraints. He believes in embracing vulnerability and looking towards the future.