He is the real adventurer of the Vendée Globe, a remarkable character who taught himself offshore sailing all by himself. Guirec Soudée's life is a like an adventure novel. He grew up on a tiny Breton island swept by the waves. He savoured childhood joys of going fishing alone, he had difficulties sitting still and focusing at school, increasingly so with a head full of dreams of travel.
At 18, he left for Australia to do a series of small jobs, save money and learn English. He returned two years later and bought an old boat to sail off around the world. A four-year voyage followed, much of it with his red hen Monique, and it included a 130-day winter in the ice of the Northwest Passage via the Great North as well as rounding Cape Horn.
On his return, Guirec set himself another challenge and completed two transatlantic crossings by rowing. He then cultivated another dream: to take part in the Vendée Globe. In less than four years, he set up a project, found funding, put together a team and took part in offshore races for the first time. And here he is, ready to jump feet first in at the deep end.
