Promising Start for Clarisse Crémer in the Vendée Globe
by L’Occitane Sailing Team 10 Nov 10:05 PST
10 November 2024
After bidding a heartfelt farewell to her family and friends and greeting the 350,000 spectators who gathered to witness her historic departure from Les Sables d’Olonne, Clarisse set sail this Sunday at 13:02, more determined than ever to embark on her second journey around the world.
“I felt the emotions of my first Vendée Globe four years ago. This time, I feel the excitement of sailing through the famous channel. It’s wonderful and truly remarkable to experience (…) It’s incredibly enjoyable, and I think we might feel a bit disoriented once we head out to sea, as it’s going to be quite overwhelming for us being alone on our boats for three months. The adjustment could be a bit challenging. For now, I’m grinning, it’s enjoyable, and I’m relishing this moment, but I understand that soon we will need to refocus on the race. It won’t necessarily be easy, but I’m ready. My hopes? Primarily to finish, to sail a bit faster than before, and, most importantly, to have joyful moments at sea, because that’s what I’m striving for!”
In spite of very light winds, the L’Occitane en Provence skipper managed to position herself advantageously at the starting line, capturing some increasing breezes and gaining speed right from the initial miles of the race. Three hours after departure and in 13th position, with just over five miles sailed, she began to find the wind thanks to her decision to take a northern route, allowing her to quickly advance westward and catch steadier winds.
And so, the adventure begins: 24,000 miles of solo, non-stop, unassisted sailing!
