3rd in the last Vendée Globe, Lousi Burton is back in Les Sables d’Olonne with his IMOCA Bureau Vallée now moored at the legendary Sablais pontoon for three weeks, after a smooth delivery from Saint-Malo, his home port. Louis Burton
is preparing to experience his fourth start of the round-the-world race solo, non-stop and without assistance, on November 10.
A fourth time which does not change in terms of emotions, still as strong and heightened, but which has evolved: 3rd in the previous edition, the skipper of Bureau Vallée aims for performance at all costs. To do this, he prepared extensively physically and mentally, and his boat was refined and validated down to the smallest detail. The skipper and his boat are ready to swallow the 24,000 miles (45,000 km) of the great planetary loop!
Careful preparation for a legendary race
For several months, Louis Burton and his team have refined the smallest details to maximize the boat’s potential while securing their yellow and black IMOCA. The skipper explains enthusiastically: “Since the two transatlantic races (The Transat CIC and New York Vendée) that we have completed, we have made a lot of composites on the structural reinforcements. It’s a “belt-suspender” version of Bureau Vallée, for a secure world tour, but without losing performance! “.
This improved version of Bureau Vallée has also benefited from optimizations in terms of on-board ergonomics. “We have thought of everything to minimize travel and maximize my comfort,” he adds. Whether it is external monitoring, the kitchen or even the autopilot solutions, everything has been prepared with meticulous attention. “We have never sailed so much on the 4-year cycle between two Vendée Globes, and that is a very good thing. We were able to test, improve and validate solutions. Since Bureau Vallée was re-launched in mid-September, we have set about sailing as much as possible. Sea trips, more or less long, themed: setting up the rigging, new sails, waterproofing, refining the settings… And this, in all possible wind and sea conditions, so it’s very positive. » adds Louis.
A mind of steel to perform until the end
But Louis Burton’s preparation did not stop at technique. On the physical and mental side, he has not been idle either. “I did a lot of physiotherapy, osteoarthritis and sport, including training at altitude at Alpe d’Huez. Mental preparation was also a big area of work, thanks to my experience in two completed Vendée Globes,” he says. And this time, he went even further, training with the RAID teams. “The idea was to build a mental mindset of steel to be ready to take on everything,” confides Louis, before adding: “In difficult situations, when you have no choice, you have to continue with a warrior mindset. Mental management is the key to enjoying a round-the-world trip on these increasingly fast and often unlivable boats. The idea was to acquire techniques for optimizing potential. Get out of difficult situations, with the means you have. A problem must not impact performance. For this, the ability to adapt is paramount. I also worked a lot on weather and optimizing weather strategy tools. A good methodology brings more efficiency »
Changes that weigh… in the right direction
On the daily side on board, the skipper of Bureau Vallée also made some adjustments. “What will change? I will no longer take freeze-dried products! » he declares, laughing. “The refueling is almost complete, and as we are much more protected in the cockpits than before, I am taking on less clothing but more food. » More food, less superfluous, but always more safety, particularly with equipment such as the foam helmet essential to protect yourself from impacts. Which also changes for Louis this year: “We have never been so ready! I have a form of serenity. This will be my fourth start, and this time, I am going there with a clear performance objective.”
The last challenge before departure
But before the big jump, Louis Burton also wants to take advantage of these three weeks before departure to share great moments with his partners and loved ones. “The idea is for the party to be as beautiful as possible, while also finding time to detach and rest. » The only memory contrasting with the previous edition: “In the middle of COVID, it was a strange but beneficial atmosphere to refocus before departure. This time, I will have to find the right balance between excitement and tranquility. »
Since the incredible arrival, on Thursday January 28, 2021, of Louis Burton ranked 3rd in the 9th edition of the Vendée Globe, time has flown. Four years have passed. Four years of hard work, sometimes disappointments, above all happiness, intense team life within BE Racing. This day of mooring in Les Sables d’Olonne sounds like a small victory before the big departure on Sunday, November 10, at 1:02 p.m.!
– Advertisement –
