WoW Vendee Globe Report #11 (ENG) Arnaud Boissièresn. Mike Golding's E-Cover Gets to Go Round Again.

Arnaud Boissièresn is not only this guy always smiling, joking, originating from Arcachon, adopted by the public of Les Sables d’Olonne. While cutting his eyeteeth, his motivation transformed into a communicative energy, knowing where he was heading, what he wanted, what he was looking for. “I don’t see myself doing a fourth Vendée Globe just to enter the book of world records,” he explains. “I’ve built my project as if it was the very first one”.

On finishing his first circumnavigation, then aged 36, « Cali » was rightfully satisfied that he had held up against machines of the latest generation on his old boat with a fixed keel (7th position). Four years later, on his Akéna Vérandas, he played in the same court (8th position), always clinging to the first ten places. His first two Vendée Globe races gave him a lot of fulfillment, achieving 3rd best time in the Pacific Ocean in 2013. His last participation was frustrating for him but he showed a lot of wisdom after facing a series of breakage and deciding to slow down in the Southern seas. “In sporting terms, I couldn’t leave it at that” (10th). As soon as he had rounded Cape Horn, Arnaud Boissières, still at sea, called his partners at La Mie Câline to offer them a project including a real technological challenge this time.

That’s how Arnaud Boissières, the one who wasn’t “supposed to pursue a career in sailing”, has set a new challenge. He has bought Mike Golding’s former boat, refurbished it, in particular, adding foils with the Mer Agitée team, Michel Desjoyeaux’s shipyard. Michel Desjoyeaux has also helped him in the handling of the boat. If the new boats – all foilers – draw attention in this Vendée Globe 2020, the old units fitted with these appendices will ambush them. With all the experience acquired, “Cali” won’t be the only sailor dreaming of doing his greatest Vendée Globe.

IMOCA M