Sebastien Destremau’s „Merci“

“For the next Vendée Globe, my boat is called “MERCI” (thank you) and carries the notion of gratitude in order to strengthen the bonds between men around the world. It supports this intimate, professional or planetary message, from thank you mother to thank you earth. I want to give spirit and heart to this non-stop, solo and unassisted adventure.” Says Sebastien Destremau.

Upon his arrival in the Sables d’Olonne, on March 11^th, 2017, after 124 solitary days, Sebastien ended his speech with an emotional “MERCI”, addressed to the thousands of people who welcomed him and enthusiasts who followed and supported him during the race. “I have never forgotten that moment, and I decided to participate in the Vendée Globe 2020 by saying merci.” He adds.

Sebastien shares a passion for Xploration and lives in a close harmony with water and is guided by his courage and ambition. For Sebastien, life is a succession of challenges and opportunities. He seeks to overcome Xtreme obstacles and pursues his wildest dreams.

On June 8^th, 2020, for World Ocean’s Day, Sebastien recalls his ecological engagement. “The sine qua non condition for my Vendée Globe participation is my project to be carbon neutral.” 

And the skipper to conclude…

“What if we started by saying merci to the planet?”.

Saying Merci expresses a virtue: gratitude,

Saying Merci is an essential word that creates a bond,

Saying Merci builds commitment and progress,

Saying Merci brings humanity and heart to human relations,

Saying Merci strengthens the ties around a unifying project,

Saying Merci is moving forward together in a common adventure,

Saying Merci unites the giver with the receiver,

Saying Merci is the recognition of the value of the other person,

Saying Merci is a sharing that surfs on success,

Saying Merci develops determination, performance and team spirit,

Saying Merci crosses the course in a sea that might be rough sometimes,

Saying Merci is an act of welcome that soothes the existence.

Q&A with SEBASTIEN DESTREMAU

1. You are preparing to sail the Merci around the world. How does it feel to prepare for a second Vendée Globe?

It’s exhilarating, complicated and terrifying. I can’t wait but sometimes I wonder why am doing this. It’s kind of like going to the dentist for a root canal. You don’t really look forward to it but once it’s done, it’s the best feeling in the world.

1. What is the most difficult part of the preparation? Is it mental or physical?

There is a physical element, but really it comes down to rigging the boat in the best way possible. I learned so much from the last race that I will try not to make the same mistakes again. But I know I’ll make different ones.

1. What is your worst memory of the last race?

There are so many it is hard to select one. Probably the hardest one was when I capsized and broke my ribs in darkness. I was in the middle of nowhere near the Kerguelen’s Islands. That was a bit scary, to say the least.

1. What is your best memory?

Again, there are so many. Being alone in the middle of the sea like the Nemo Point is an indescribable feeling; solitude, power, solace. But my arrival at the Sables d’Olonne – the last skipper in – was amazing. I thought everyone would have gone home but there they were, cheering and clapping by thousands. I was awed by the emotions that welcome brought out.

1. What is the most important thing you’ll bring on board?

This time around, I am thinking of taking three watches: The Diver X Nemo Point, Diver X Cape Horn and Diver X Antarctica. I really want to have them onboard as their design were inspired by my previous Odyssey and this means so much to me. On a different note, it is very easy to loose track of time when you keep crossing longitude and latitude and different time zones, so making sure you wear a watch that won’t let you down, no matter what the weather throws at you, is paramount.

In regard to the boat, everything is really important. Tools, a lot of spares and sewing kits to repair any damages. We also carry a very comprehensive first aid kit (I cut my finger badly last time), food supplies, satellite phone, safety gears, … the list is endless.

On a personal note, I generally don’t need much as I do enjoy the solitude however sometimes I wish I could have a picture or two of my love ones to look at.

1. Is the solitude the most difficult part of the race?

Every part of this race is difficult! From pirate ships to whales to storms. The most grueling one is “being alone out there” – The Vendée Globe is the most challenging test anyone could ever put himself or herself through.

1. How long does it take to prepare for the Vendée Globe?

Well it depends on how much help and financing you have. How much experience and what is your goal. Some take some months, others take years. Last time it took me four years. This time it is much shorter for us. Psychologically, it takes a lifetime.

1. In your book Seul au monde (Alone in the World) you talk about “124 days of hell”. Why do it again?

Last time I had no idea what to expect and I wanted to see if I was capable of doing it. This time around, I know what I am going to face and … I want to know if I am capable of doing it! For me that’s a completely different level of challenge. Much, much harder I’d say. So, let’s see if I can do it!

1. What would you say to a skipper dreaming of competing in this race?

Don’t do it! Naaaa am joking.

Go for it. Live up to your dreams. Aim high. You only have one life, live it to the max. Otherwise what is the point?

1. Will you remember to bring your shoes and a sponge this time around?

Haha. Yes, no doubt. But, knowing me, I will most probably forget something else.

About Sébastien Destremau

Franco-Australian skipper and sailor

Sébastien Destremau is a Franco-Australian skipper and sailor who, in 1998, took home the Sydney-Hobart, considered a highly difficult race. In 2012, he decided to take on an even bigger challenge: the Vendée Globe, the most formidable single-handed race around the world. Despite technical damages, a lack of food and even cracked ribs, he was welcomed as a hero in Sables d’Olonne upon achieving his goal after a journey of 124 days.  A five-time world champion, he also prepared the 1992 Olympic Games for France, participated in five America’s Coup campaigns, reached the 12^th place in the world’s skippers’ ranking, and more recently finished second in the Route du Rhum in 2018.

• 5 America’s Cup campaigns
• 124 days alone at sea for the 2016 Vendée Globe
• A victory at Sydney-Hobart
• An Olympic campaign on the Flying Dutchman
• A victory at the single-handed Calero Solo Transat in 2016
• Second in the Route du Rhum in 2018