Armel Le Cléac'h's long journey to victory

Armel Le Cléac'h, 49, has been familiar with the Route du Rhum since childhood, but he has yet to win it. The Breton sailor is back at the starting line, determined to finally claim the title in an interview with AFP.

Early memories of the race

Le Cléac'h's first memory of the race dates back to 1986, when he visited the boat of Loïc Caradec in Saint-Malo with his parents. At the age of 9, he learned of the disappearance of Caradec's catamaran, an event that left a lasting impression on him.

Past challenges and persistence

Le Cléac'h has faced several challenges in the race, including a second-place finish in 2010 on a monohull and multiple setbacks on multihulls, such as a withdrawal in 2014, a capsizing in 2018, and a breakdown in 2022. This year, he is competing with Banque Populaire, emphasizing the race's rarity and importance.

Confidence in his abilities

Despite past difficulties, Le Cléac'h remains confident, having completed three Vendée Globes and finishing on the podium each time, including a victory. He believes that this year could be the one where he finally wins the Route du Rhum.

Competitive field and strategy

Le Cléac'h acknowledges that the competition will be fierce, with many strong contenders each bringing their own strengths. With eight Ultim boats at the start, he estimates that five could realistically claim victory, making the race highly unpredictable.

Sleep management during solo sailing

Le Cléac'h explained that during a solo race, he takes short naps of 30-40 minutes, aiming to accumulate three to five hours of sleep over 24 hours. In the initial 24 hours, sleep is limited due to the need for constant vigilance and maneuvering.

Importance of rest and performance

Sleep management is crucial for performance, Le Cléac'h said, as the physical demands of sailing require both energy and clarity. He emphasized the need for vigilance, given the high speeds these boats can reach, which can vary rapidly from 15 to 40 knots.

Risks and dangers at sea

Le Cléac'h mentioned that the greatest fear in such races is encountering unexpected dangers, such as collisions with floating objects. He recalled an incident last year where a container caused damage to his boat, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sea.