The NY-Vendée made its mark on the Big Apple with glamorous trials, haute cuisine, and big thinkers while previewing the Vendée Globe form book.
The wind gods only partially delivered for the NY-Vendée fleet competing in the Vendée Liberty exhibition speed trials on Upper New York Harbor. Puffs of breeze decided the fortunes of the fleet. Battling north and south winds gave the 60-foot IMOCA sailboats opportunities to lay down their rails and charge along the one-mile course in front of the Governor’s Island audience, while others ran out of luck and slid along at pedestrian speeds.
Romain Attanasio, from Fortinet/Best Western, captured the fastest run of five minutes and 55 seconds. Even though sailors are preparing for next Wednesday’s NY-Vendée transatlantic race and are maxed out with sponsor obligations and boat repairs, they see this day with friends and VIPs as a time to enjoy the moment and the Big Apple atmosphere.
Louis Burton of Bureau Vallée, who was accompanied by his daughter, expressed his joy at the experience. He marveled at the unique opportunity to enjoy the moment with his team, partners, and family.
The IMOCA class is building on the success of transatlantic and other ocean races originating from the U.S. East Coast by inviting the latest American talent to join the NY-Vendée. Rising ocean sailing star and social media phenom Cole Brauer, the first American woman to complete a solo around-the-world race this year, teamed up with Malizia skipper Boris Hermann. Her efforts to compete in the 2028 Vendée Globe are expected to raise the profile of this sailing discipline in the U.S.
Leah Sweet, boat captain for Swiss sailor Justine Mettraux’s Team Work-Snef, highlighted the importance of exposing American sailors to the structure and culture of French solo sailing. The speed trials were also a reason to bring people from around the world together to share their cultures and ideas, and showcase these racing machines and the Vendée Globe that inspires people to achieve their dreams.
The celebration of these boats and sailors preparing for next week’s transatlantic race back to Les Sables d’Olonne was in full swing on historic Governors Island. String music filled the air, cassoulet with duck confit satisfied appetites, and panel discussions addressed contemporary issues. Topics during the three roundtable discussions included partnerships in preserving our oceans, the intersection of art and offshore racing, and connecting the cultures and businesses of France and America.
Top French chefs of New York served savory crepes and other cuisine, while famed music instructor William Christie conducted the student musicians from The Juilliard School of New York City. Today was a day to take stock of the fleet’s readiness for future races as it was the last gathering of the fleet before next week’s NY-Vendée start.
Leah Sweet noted the high level of preparation, emphasizing the performance background of Justine Mettraux and her team. Mettraux, who will be sailing in her first Vendée Globe in November, is considered one of the top ocean sailors of her generation.
As the sailors arrived at the awards, the sight of the Statue of Liberty behind them stole the show. This was the last moment of relaxation as the sailors’ families and supporters enjoyed their time with them. Tomorrow and every day until Wednesday’s transit start, they will be focused on the details needed to make it back across the Atlantic alone. A spot in November’s Vendée Globe is at stake for many.
