Ninety-two days have passed from the start of the Vendèe Globe.
The champions, those with large resources, with the goal of the victory arrived a few days ago. Last week we celebrated Francois Gabart, the “enfant prodige” of ocean sailing.
This time I will talk about the champions, “Leonida”, who decided to compete, although aware that they could not aim for victory but they decided to fight.
It is no secret that I have a particular fondness for this approach to regattas, and life.
From a few hours has arrived Bertrand de Broc, one of the best sailors in the world.
Gruff, sometimes surly with the media, but with a big heart and so loved by the public, so that, in the absence of a main sponsor, Bertrand was able to participate with the support of hundreds of fans that in exchange for a modest sum have placed their name on the boat. Hence the name of the boat “Votre Nom Autour du Monde” (something similar to my “messages in a bottle” of Transat 6.50 in 2011). I remember the day of departure Bertrand victim of an accident that caused a major damage to the hull. Undeterred he returned to harbor, has repaired the damage and left badder than ever. Also Mr. De Broc during the VG of 92, in the Indian Ocean, solo, it was the tongue sutured looking in the mirror… Call him Rambo.
Still now in the sea there are two other “Leonida”, both with a deep connection to Italy.
Alessandro di Benedetto, we know, the only Italian participant, sailor and adventurer. In 2011, after nine consecutive months in the sea, he completed the round the world solo non-stop, on a boat as big as your car (set up in the Adriatic). Only one who has ever succeeded, moving very forward the limits of human beings. Now, with the support of a French sponsor and partners, including Armare, was able to leave for the VG, running a fantastic race.
Tanguy De Lamotte is the last. Tanguy is a great skipper, with a huge talent. He is a kind of “jedi”, a master of sailing: among the many sailors who trains for a living, he select some talented breeding as disciples. He dreamed the VG for a long time, and this time it seemed that he could not start, then suddenly, informally, the good news: Tanguy has sold its 40 and a sponsor, albeit modest, support him for the VG. Here we go!
But what binds Tanguy to Italy? his boat “Initiatives-Coeur”, ten years ago it was called “Tiscali”. The Skipper of Tiscali was Simone Bianchetti, probably the most talented Italian skipper ocean, who died in 2003.
Honor to the winners, because finish the Vendèe does not mean prevail in a battle, but win a war.