Jérémie Beyou : A new dimension…"

It took me a while to accept that it would be fourth place. But I am proud of this fourth place. Like the race, the finish was not easy. There was 40 knots of wind near the line, the sea was rough and we had to stay vigilant... 

There are races that are easier, more fluid than others. This one was more fluid for the three boats in front, but a little less so for me and for the group that I managed to lead. But when it is hard, you are all the more satisfied with what you do, to manage to get through it. In any case, this race is above all about surpassing yourself, it is about managing to go to the end, whatever happens.

We are increasingly moving towards very intense races and you have to get used to it, of course. There are weather systems that split the fleet and there’s not much we can do about it. But we’ve seen that you should never give up. In the Indian Ocean, I was in ‘Solitaire du Figaro’ mode, in my boots and foul weather gear all the time, even for sleeping, eating and weather routing. It was really intense and doesn’t forgive the slightest mistake, the slightest weather impasse. This race has entered a new dimension - it’s crazy stuff!

Yes, of course. You’re solo, without assistance. You’re in 60 square feet for three months and when things go wrong, you’re facing yourself. It’s like a sounding board: your emotions are heightened, they resonate in your head and you have to get over that. It’s a very difficult mental exercise that’s very stressful and very complicated to manage.

I told myself for a long time that it was going to change. When the first three boats went into the Indian Ocean, I thought we were going to catch up in the Pacific. Often, there are bumps and the rankings can be elastic after Cape Horn. But this time, that wasn’t the case at all and it made the race very special. The first three found themselves in front at the right time. 

Huge congratulations to Charlie, a colossal sailor – it’s a big achievement to cross the finish line twice in the lead. Congratulations also to Yoann and Sébastien and good luck to all those who are still at sea.

I love this race, I love it, I want it. In a way, I had the feeling that it didn't want me after my first two retirements and all the past adventures that we know. But at the same time, I have finished three of them by sailing properly each time. Everyone has their own adventure with this race, mine is not easy. Despite all the misery it causes me, I still love it!

First of all, I want to see my wife and daughters again, then go on holiday. And I might be asked that question in a few weeks (laughs)!