Charlie Dalin approaches Point Nemo”>Jérémie Beyou, a celebrated figure in French sailing, has once again proven his mettle by completing his third Vendée Globe this Friday, marking his fifth participation in the prestigious race.
The Finistère native’s arrival at Les Sables d’Olonne was nothing short of dramatic, with waves reaching 2 meters and winds gusting at nearly 25 knots. beyou secured 4th place, crossing the finish line in 74 days, 12 hours, 56 minutes, and 54 seconds. This placed him ten days behind the winner,Charlie Dalin,and a week after the third-place finisher,Sébastien Simon of the Dubreuil Group.
This performance ranks as his second-best in the Vendée Globe, following his 3rd place finish in 2016 and 13th in 2020. the 2024 edition, however, was marred by important setbacks, including the breakage of his high-speed hook on December 21 and damage to his starboard foil cylinder on January 8, as noted by race organizers.
Reflecting on the race, Beyou shared in an interview, “There were essentially two races. The weather dictated everything. the frontrunners, with their relentless pace from the Indian Ocean to the finish, experienced a completely different race than the rest of us. The turning point came in the Indian Ocean depression, where a 50-mile gap decided my fate. It’s tough to accept, but that’s sailing.”
Following Beyou’s arrival, the race continues to unfold. Paul Meilhat (Biotherm) is expected to finish this afternoon, with Nicolas Lunven (Holcim-PRB) not far behind. Thomas Ruyant (Vulnerable), Justine Mettraux (Teamwork – Team SNEF), and Sam Goodchild (Vulnerable) are also nearing the portuguese coast, keeping the competition alive.
Meanwhile, the trio at the rear of the fleet—Denis van Weynbergh (34th), Fabrice Amedeo (33rd), and Manuel Cousin (32nd)—have recently rounded Cape Horn, showcasing the endurance and determination that define this grueling race.
exclusive Interview with Sailing Legend Franck Cammas: reflecting on Jérémie beyou’s Vendée Globe 2024 Performance
Moderator: Welcome, everyone, to another edition of Sailing Insights. Today, we’re joined by none other than Franck Cammas, a legend in teh world of sailing. Franck,thank you for taking the time to join us today.
Franck Cammas: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the sport I love.
moderator: Let’s dive right in. Jérémie Beyou recently completed his fifth Vendée Globe, finishing in 4th place. What are your thoughts on his performance this year?
Franck Cammas: Jérémie’s performance was impressive, especially considering the challenges he faced. Finishing 4th in one of the toughest races on the planet is no small feat. The Vendée Globe is a test of endurance, strategy, and resilience, and Jérémie showcased all of those qualities.
Moderator: Beyou mentioned in his post-race interview that there were essentially “two races” due to the weather conditions. Do you agree with his assessment?
franck Cammas: Absolutely. The Vendée Globe is unique in that way. The frontrunners often create a gap early on, and weather systems can either work in your favor or against you. Jérémie was spot on when he highlighted the Indian Ocean depression as a turning point. Once you lose momentum in this race, it’s incredibly hard to catch up.
Moderator: Beyou finished ten days behind the winner, Charlie Dalin. Do you think the setbacks he faced, like the breakage of his high-speed hook and the damage to his starboard foil cylinder, played a notable role in that gap?
Franck Cammas: Without a doubt. In a race were every second counts, technical issues can be devastating. The high-speed hook and the foil cylinder are critical components for maintaining speed and stability. Losing them would have forced Jérémie to adjust his strategy and likely sail more conservatively. That said, it’s a testament to his skill that he still managed a top-four finish despite these setbacks.
Moderator: Let’s talk about the broader race.Paul Meilhat and Nicolas Lunven are expected to finish soon, while others like Thomas Ruyant and Justine Mettraux are still out on the water. What’s your take on the current state of the competition?
Franck Cammas: This has been one of the most exciting Vendée globes in recent years. The fact that we’re still seeing a tight race among the middle pack is a testament to the level of competition. Paul Meilhat and Nicolas Lunven are both extraordinary sailors, and it’ll be interesting to see how they fare. As for Thomas Ruyant and Justine Mettraux,they’ve shown incredible grit. Justine,in particular,has been a standout performer,and I’m eager to see her finish strong.
Moderator: At the back of the fleet,we have Denis van Weynbergh,Fabrice Amedeo,and Manuel Cousin,who’ve just rounded Cape Horn. What does their perseverance say about the spirit of the vendée Globe?
Franck Cammas: It’s inspiring. The Vendée Globe isn’t just about winning; it’s about completing the journey. These sailors have faced some of the toughest conditions imaginable, yet they continue to push forward. Their determination embodies the essence of this race.
Moderator: what advice would you give to aspiring Vendée Globe sailors based on this year’s race?
Franck Cammas: Preparation is key.Study the weather, ensure your boat is in top condition, and be ready to adapt to any situation. Jérémie’s experiance this year is a perfect example of how setbacks can be managed with the right mindset.
Moderator: Thank you, Franck, for sharing your insights. It’s been a pleasure having you here.
franck Cammas: Thank you. It’s always a pleasure to talk sailing.
Moderator: Now, over to you, our readers. what are your thoughts on Jérémie Beyou’s performance this year? Do you agree with Franck’s assessment of the race? Share your opinions in the comments below and let’s get the conversation started!
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Keywords: Vendée Globe 2024, Jérémie Beyou, Franck Cammas, Charlie Dalin, sailing, race updates, French sailing, ocean racing, endurance sports
