PREPARATIONS FOR THE ULTIM TEAMS’ TIME TRIAL 32x25m (105x74ft) Trimarans Sailed Solo

Compared with previous generations of round the world racers and adventurers, the six skippers ready to take on the Arkéa Ultim Challenge – Brest are a new, different breed. Physically most are fitter and stronger than those who preceded them. Bear in mind each manoeuvre is usually nearly 45 minutes of hard, physical work, not least requiring long periods at max effort on the pedestal winch.

The ‘coffee grinder’ is what Armel Le Cléac’h (Maxi Banque Populaire XI) calls “the hand bike”. The heart rate climbs, the arms, shoulders, chest and lower back are fully engaged and the beads of sweat very quickly become rivers of perspiration.

“I keep up a level of exercise so that we prepare all throughout the year, to just be able to maintain that level of sustained power output endurance and a good recovery,” says Le Cléac’h, skipper of Banque Populaire.

“It’s not really about all out power, max work rate like on an inshore grand prix boat, but it requires really excellent cardio, and core strength too.” He says

“In fact, it’s more like a trail run rather than a sprint,” adds Charles Caudrelier (Edmond de Rothschild). He ensures he does at least three physical preparation sessions per week and among them enjoys boxing, climbing, board sports, running and cycling. And in his build up Armel Le Cléac’h says he has worked out almost every day with swimming sessions, time in the weights gym or out on the bike.

Anthony Marchand (Actual Ultim 3) is mainly happy to just ensure he does a lot of water sports, regularly going kiting, winging, and surfing.

“These allow you to work your cardio, all your muscles and I like that it’s always in the same watery environment!”

At the same time everyone has also really focused on working on mental strength. “If we have to deal well with the many different types of physical challenge that this race will bring, the mental dimension is almost more important,” says Tom Laperche (SVR-Lazartigue). “We just can’t overlook the mental demands of these boats and the impact that this stress can have over time.”

“The mental aspect is undoubtedly actually more valuable than the physical tests on this race,” agrees Charles Caudrelier.