Swiss sailor Alan Roura is in the final stretch of the Vendée Globe, currently fighting for the 15th position among a tightly packed group of competitors. As he nears the finish line in Les Sables d'Olonne, Roura shared insights into his experience in this 10th edition of the race and his future plans with Voile Magazine.
With only 550 miles left to the finish, Roura described the race's end as a tense but exhilarating sprint. Despite the high pressure, he is eager to cross the finish line, especially after enduring 83 days at sea. Roura candidly discussed the challenges he has faced, including issues with his boat's rudders and energy systems. He also mentioned a significant mechanical failure with his hook capelage that has been a consistent hindrance.
Roura finds himself closely competing with several other IMOCA boats. He mentioned the camaraderie and competitive spirit among the sailors, including Damien Seguin, Benjamin Ferré, and Tanguy Le Turquais, which adds a layer of enjoyment to the grueling competition. However, he also noted the speed differential with Seguin, who has maintained a full set of sails, giving him an edge in speed.
The challenges of the Vendée Globe are many, as Roura explained, with daily issues that test the sailors' resilience and adaptability. He reflected on a strategic error made early in the race near Madeira, which cost him dearly throughout the event. The race's demanding nature and the constant technical issues have been a significant theme of his journey.
Before the race, Roura and his team had worked extensively on optimizing his boat, an older IMOCA model previously helmed by Alex Thomson. Despite these efforts, he recognized the limitations of his vessel compared to newer models, particularly in speed and handling in certain conditions. However, he praised the boat's reliability and structural integrity, which have been crucial in such harsh conditions.
Among his memorable experiences, Roura highlighted the exhilaration of passing Cape Horn and a magical moment north of the Azores where four boats raced within sight of each other, a rare occurrence that underscores the tight competition of this race edition.
Looking ahead, Roura is contemplating his future in sailing. He expressed interest in crewed racing events like The Ocean Race and a tour around Europe. While he considers whether to participate in another Vendée Globe, Roura is keen on exploring different formats of sailing, hoping to share more experiences with crew members rather than continuing in solo racing.
The Vendée Globe remains one of the most challenging yachting competitions, testing the limits of sailors and their vessels. As Roura approaches the finish line, his sights are set not only on completing this race but on the broader horizons of his sailing career.
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