Clarisse Crémer in the Vendée Globe – Week 2
by L’Occitane Sailing Team 21 Nov 12:31 PST
21 November 2024
Clarisse Crémer in the Vendée Globe – Week 2 © L’Occitane Sailing Team
After entering an exceptionally active Doldrums on Wednesday, Clarisse Crémer was only stuck there for 24 hours and successfully returned to more consistent winds and faster speeds on Thursday afternoon.
It marks a new achievement for the skipper of L’Occitane en Provence, who faced severe storms, light breezes, intense rain, and strong gusts, testing both her nerves and stamina. Nevertheless, her spirits remained high despite minor and major issues on board, with the South Atlantic in her sights!
L’Occitane en Provence among the lead group
Fully back in the race after her initial struggles, Clarisse has maintained a spot in the top 10 since Friday, November 15. This recognition rewards her relentless efforts to unlock the full potential of her “rocket,” L’Occitane en Provence, as she navigated a route providing a strategic balance between west and south. The west direction allowed for the best access through the Intertropical Convergence Zone, while the south offered an advantage in distance to the finish line.
In fourth place on Wednesday evening, following a day of wrestling with a small but chaotic Doldrums, Clarisse expressed her joy at maintaining contact with the frontrunners: “I’m loving it; it’s satisfying to be sailing alongside the nearby boats. The fleet is still closely packed, which is fantastic; everyone still has a shot! Engaging in a real game of cat and mouse, where every time you create a gap behind you, you hope it doesn’t close, but at the same time, you’re thrilled to gain on the boat in front,” the skipper happily noted in recognition of her strong performance despite lacking the same preparation as her direct competitors. “But we shouldn’t get overexcited,” she cautions. “We need to stay focused, avoid confusing maneuvers, and keep taking our time.”
Quiet tinkering and Doldrum challenges
Recognizing that effective management of both the skipper and the vessel is vital in a marathon like the Vendée Globe, Clarisse seized the favorable conditions at the beginning of the week for a refreshing shower, some relaxation, delicious meals made with fresh eggs, avocado, “sailor’s bread,” and her favorite grapefruit, as well as a maintenance session on her boat. Monday turned out to be a productive day for repairs, with routine checks, “cache-misère” tasks, and recovery from strong weather and gennaker-related damages.
She lamented the loss of her large headsail off the coast of Portugal, wishing she had it to traverse “a Doldrums we enjoy.” Stuck all day on Wednesday, “at 0 knots for half an hour!”, Clarisse fought to keep up her commitment, connecting maneuvers and closing in on the leaders, who were also halted, allowing her to move into the top 5. “Thank goodness we’d rested well the nights before!” she exclaimed, exhausted, while the boat thermometer indicated 33 degrees Celsius indoors.
The overheating affected the onboard batteries, which decided to misbehave on Wednesday night, leaving Clarisse without electronics for several hours. “Goodbye autopilot, navigation, and communications with the outside world,” she sighed at that moment before resolving the issue and resuming her course, now in 7th place. Despite the Vendée Globe 2024 being the slowest edition in 20 years, leading to frustration among competitors who are often “happier with more speed,” these fluctuations in fleet velocity allowed Clarisse to catch up with the leaders twice.
Reflection, joy at sea, and steady morale
“It was so beautiful on days with less wind,” recalls the young sailor who keeps in mind her main reason for participating. Yes, to race fast, but also to embark on an extraordinary adventure. “Above all, I’m delighted to still be in the competition,” she confides. “After all the struggles to reach the starting line, I feared I might have to quit before truly starting my race, and that all my efforts would be in vain. Each passing day allows me to fully live this Vendée Globe and eases my stress. I’m crafting my own story and savoring it.”
Her enjoyment of solitary ocean time is evident in numerous selfies, each brighter than the last, showcasing Clarisse’s sparkling eyes and broad smile. “I’ve had an excellent start to the race, and I’m pleased with my mindset. Compared to four years ago, it’s a world of difference. The only small – but profoundly meaningful – shadow on the horizon? November 15, Mathilda’s birthday, when she turned 2 without Mum and Dad. That was the only day I found truly challenging,” she reflects, “I kept visualizing being there for her, but now I’m feeling better!”
South Atlantic lies ahead
With clarity about her future plans and officially moving past her recent challenges, Clarisse is excited to stay tightly in the lead pack, gearing up to seize “the north of a low-pressure system that could carry us as far as the Cape of Good Hope.” This signals a fresh beginning before a quick descent through the South Atlantic, where conditions will again be tumultuous. “Maybe I’ll enjoy a little grapefruit so I don’t lose my bearings! Or to recharge my energy, as the mission now is to maintain our pace!”
