Sébastien Marsset: "The finish is massive in every way”
Seb Marsset the skipper of FOUSSIER is the last of the four skippers to complete their Vendée Globe race this Sunday. After 91 days and 35 minutes at sea Marsset finished 27th on the first solo race round the world he has taken part in. A skipper with a big heart and a tireless drive, Sébastien Marsset held on until the end. In the end the finish line and the passage of the channel were turned out to be an unexpectedly huge relief and a powerful release of emotions. Seb was particularly grateful to the public for turning our and remarked that he is very proud of his race.
Vendée Globe :
How do you feel about having crossed the finish line?
To sail around the world solo and non-stop and come back here, honestly, it's just crazy! Ten minutes after crossing the line, I found I was really, really freezing, I had no more energy. It's crazy how much the adrenaline of the race sustains you and the adrenaline of wanting to finish at all costs helps us to hold on until the end. Before going back up the channel, I had a little nap.
Vendée Globe :
How did you enjoy going back up the channel?
I didn't expect there to be so many people. It's incredible, it hits your hard and it's very powerful. I really enjoyed my race throughout, it wasn't always easy. It touches me to know that my adventure was appreciated and that I was able to share it. Alone in your little world, with the ocean all around you, you wouldn't imagine that so many people are following the race.
Vendée Globe :
It wasn't easy to set up this project before you set off on this round the world race?
Yes, but I'm very happy to have undertaken this adventure. The hardest part is really before and on land because that's what I don't know how to do it. At sea, managing the boat, the weather, the breakdowns, the competition, that's my know-how, my part. On the other hand, managing a business, setting up a team, finding partners, knowing how to invest in the boat. Of course, I was far from being all alone but it was hard.
Vendée Globe :
What most of all do you take away from your Vendée Globe?
I'm extremely proud of my race. The descent of the Atlantic, the crossing of the Southern Ocean. All that racing on one of the oldest boats in the fleet. I managed to be competitive. I am proud as a sailor, as an athlete, I am delighted. I had a bit of bad luck on the way back up the Atlantic with a lot of breakages. That was the hard part of my Vendée Globe but I knew it couldn’t be easy. These events taught me to never give up, to show resilience, to take problems one by one… I solved all the problems I encountered. It proves that I am capable of it!
Vendée Globe :
You clearly enjoyed it….
Yes, I am so happy to have done it. It’s five years of work with my small team, it’s hard work… It’s compromises and sacrifices in my personal life, on my family life and that of my entire team. And today it’s come to fruition, it’s just great. There is the pleasure of having done it and the pleasure of having experienced all these moments at sea.
Vendée Globe :
Will you be there again in four years?
Yes, I dream of being able to line up with a competitive boat. I am extremely happy with what I have done. I will not go back in the same conditions. But I want to play for a "top 10" in four years, I would give anything to experience that!
