The role of the race management. "Our mission is to ensure that everything goes well for the competitors. We look after all of that build up phase before the start, the set-up, the dock out and passage of the channel. Once under way we ensure the safety of all the skippers and we make sure that they comply with the notice of race. All the information and race facts are transmitted to us and we constantly monitor everyone's positions. Finally, in the event of a complicated weather situation, we carry out routings in order to be able to have a precise analysis of each situation."
Operational mode "There are five of us making up the race management (the DC). We operate with a watch system to ensure a permanent presence. The watches overlap and we take the time to talk together and pass on information about what happened in the last few hours. In the event of complicated situations, we are all less than ten minutes from the race PC, which allows us to be as responsive as possible if necessary."
The team
Claire Renoux. "Claire has extensive experience in race management, particularly in the Figaro and in other classes. She is particularly specialized in everything related to safety: equipment, on-board technology, distress systems, life rafts, etc. She works with the French Sailing Federation on these aspects and her expertise is widely recognized."
Pierre Hays. "Pierre also has very substantial experience. He was part of the race management team on the last Vendée Globe and has also worked for the latest editions of the Route du Rhum, the Transat Jacques Vabre and the Arkea Ultim Challenge. Pierre is also the point of contact for relations with the Maritime Prefecture, port authorities and logistical and administrative aspects.”
Fabien Delahaye. “Fabien has significant experience as a racing sailor. A key player on the Class40 circuit, he shone in Figaro and competed in several IMOCA races including The Ocean Race. Fabien joined the team last June. He has really found his feet. In particular, he will be responsible for everything related to the course, especially the ice zone. It is interesting to have the eye of an ocean racer within the team. And this experience will certainly be a benefit to him.”
Jacques Caraës. "We are lucky to be able to count on Jacques who was race director four years ago. He has a great deal of experience, having completed five round-the-world races and won the Jules Verne Trophy in 2010. Jacques is recognised by all for his expertise as race director at the Solitaire du Figaro (six times), the Route du Rhum (2018) and the Vendée Globe during the last two editions. And he is coming back very motivated this year!”
