Getting that edge

Final training to take place for nine Vendee Globe skippers in Port la Foret

Next week, as part of their training for the Vendee Globe nine skipper will take part in two sets of three day race organised by the Pôle France Finistère Course au Large, the well known Figaro training centre in Port la Foret.

This training is aimed at optimising the level of performance of the solo skippers within the structure of the centre. There will be an exchange of information during workshops both on the water and on land.

The training is the culmination of over two years of work, including in depth discussions on techniques of navigation and safety, weather and strategy, training and medical monitoring, communication, etc. In addition, skippers who have wished it have also had their individual physical preparation organised by the centre.

The first stage, taking place over 17-19 September, will focus on safety, plus that of the boat and its equipment, and sailing alone in a variety of conditions as well as optimising performance while in the vicinityof a large number of opponents. So close to the start of the Vendee Globe, this course will not result in major changes being made to the boats, but it should enable skippers to make an objective assessment of their strengths and weaknesses while up against their opponents.

Each day will consist of a solo sail, a video debriefing with skippers, coaches from the centre and experts and it is this exchange of information and points of view, is considered to be most important and a speciality of the centre.

The beginnings of such training was introduced back in 2000, as preparation for Michel Desjoyeaux and Roland Jourdain prior to the Vendee Globe that year. In 2004, a more structured preparation was organised for the skippers, culminating in the training the skippers have undergone prior to this race.

Schedule - Stage 1
Wednesday, 17 Sept
8:30 am: Briefing
10:30 - 18h: navigation solitaire
Thursday, 18 Sept
8.30: Debriefing video and briefing
10:30 - 18h: navigation solitaire
Friday, 19 Sept
8.30: Debriefing video and briefing
10:30 - 18h: navigation solitaire

Schedule - Stage 2
30 September to 2 October

Participants:
BRITAIR Armel the Cléac'h
BT Sebastien Josse
SMOKESTACK POUJOULAT Bernard Stamm (invited)
DELTA DORE Jérémie Beyou
FONCIA Michel Desjoyeaux
GENERALI Yann Eliès
PAPREC VIRBAC Jean-Pierre Dick
SAFRAN Marc Guillemot
VM MATERIAUX Jean le Cam