Bertrand-Hillion Marie-Paola/ABACA
Vendée Globe Day 50 – We spoke to the boatman on Christmas Day, early in the morning for us, around midnight for him.This December 30, he celebrates his 35th birthday on the high seas, alone in the world, a few hours from Cape Horn.
From the beginning of our logbook, we knew that Clarisse Kremer, like her competitors, is not regulated, like the rest, anchored on the ground. , which is still in the twelfth position.L’Occitane Boat Phone Whatsapp account calls us, we take.
Madame Figaro. – How do you feel at this stage of the race?
Clarice Kremer. – Things are going well, morale is still good. The first thing I can say is that it’s not too hot. We have a lot of technical gear to keep the cold out, I have all the base layers of merino and thick tex, a jacket with a balaclava hood, but I always struggle a bit with the feet. You can’t have gloves on when you’re in the water, your hands get cold in four seconds , the water is 6 to 10 degrees.In short, this is not the most exotic or the warmest part of the trip. we’re not that far from anywhere, it’s very gray and we’re going to the depressions and sea states, we don’t necessarily feel welcome. luckily there’s benjamin (Dutreux, editor’s note) and Sam (Samantha Davis, Editor’s Note) which are not far and in this context it is psychologically important. I’m feeling a bit stressed about the conditions that await me up to Cape Horn, I can’t wait to hit the Atlantic Ocean, I’ve had a bit of a blues bout today, you’re feeling a bit sad To be alone on your ship at Christmas…
That’s right, how did you plan, we saw you wearing a little Christmas hat on the net.
During my first Vendee Globe, I was motivated by phone calls from people on land. This time I had small messages from my family and friends, photos of my little girl, opened small gifts from close people… Yesterday I heard traditional songs like: The divine child was bornit put me in the mood. But in general, Christmas is artificial in this corner of the world, familially and religiously.
How is the boat doing at this stage of the race?
It’s getting a little old, but there’s no new damage. It’s a special moment in the competition where I have to be very careful. Let’s hope everything is safe.I can’t check my boat regularly in these weather conditions. Fortunately, in the southern summer, the nights are very short, lasting three to four hours, which is more comfortable. Because working on deck at night is really not fun.
When we speak again, you’ll be past Cape Horn and the Howling Forties. You must be eager…
Going back to the Atlantic is something to be happy about. Even if the big storms are always to be feared, there are more escape routes and lifeguards are easier. And then you go back up ago I was cheated because I had built a finish line in Cape Horn while I still had a month of racing behind me I look forward to it.
Source: Le Figaro
