Emotional Resilience on the Open Ocean
For skippers like Benjamin Dutreux, the race’s solitude is a mixed blessing. “I’m not a loner on land, but out at sea, I thrive on being alone,” he explains. Dutreux, racing his second Vendée Globe aboard GUYOT ENVIRONNEMENT – WATER FAMILY, embraces solitude as a means to sharpen his skills and accept total responsibility for his outcomes.
Violette Dorange, at 23, is the youngest competitor this year. Although a self-described introvert who feels energized by isolation, she admits a fear of boredom: “Loneliness is okay, but there always has to be action. I listen to podcasts, music, and messages from loved ones to stay grounded.”
The Mental Shift: Embracing Solitude
For some sailors, solitude brings unexpected self-discovery. Vendée rookie Benjamin Ferré sees isolation as a valuable, almost therapeutic experience. “I want to see what it’s really like, if it’s like psychoanalysis,” he says. Ferré’s enthusiasm speaks to the allure of the Vendée’s solitary nature—a way to explore both the ocean and inner horizons.
Experienced skippers like Clarisse Crémer, who first raced the Vendée Globe in 2020, see solitude differently. “It’s chosen solitude, temporary. It doesn’t compare to the kind of social isolation so many people face involuntarily,” Crémer explains. She sees the race as a unique opportunity but also recognizes the challenges of self-doubt when isolated. For her, being away from her young daughter will be the hardest aspect of this year’s race.
Romain Attanasio, another Vendée veteran, acknowledges the emotional weight of separation from family. Reflecting on his first Vendée Globe in 2016, he says, “I suffered from loneliness deeply back then, and it’s something I wouldn’t want to go through again.”
Modern Connectivity: A Double-Edged Sword
In today’s digital world, Vendée Globe sailors aren’t entirely cut off from contact. Technology has made it possible for them to stay connected through internet-based communication, even if they’re forbidden from receiving meteorological advice or routing assistance. Many now exchange messages with family, supporters, and other competitors, easing the strain of isolation.
For Franco-German sailor Isabelle Joschke, this connectivity brings mixed emotions. “For me, the Vendée Globe was about being alone with the elements,” she says. Yet, in moments of extreme stress or technical issues, she found comfort in messages of support. For her second race, Joschke plans to be more deliberate with her communication, avoiding excessive interaction to fully experience the solitude she values.
Choosing Solitude in a Crowded World
Though solitude in a highly connected world might seem daunting, many Vendée Globe sailors find strength in knowing they chose this path. The isolation is temporary and purposeful, adding to the race’s unique intensity. With today’s advancements, they can savor the profound isolation while staying mentally grounded, preparing themselves to handle whatever the world’s wildest oceans throw their way.
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