The IMOCA D’Ieteren Group at the gateway to the Southern Ocean

In virtually no wind, the fleet of 40 IMOCAs set sail on the Vendée Globe on 10 November at 13:02 hours. It was an opportunity to gently immerse himself in the race after a morning that saw emotions running high for the Belgian sailor. Next, the IMOCA D’Ieteren Group headed offshore in race mode with the other competitors in what was a rather bracing Bay of Biscay. Having to contend with winds reaching up to 40 knots, the sailor suffered a few technical issues as he explains: “I had to gybe and unfortunately the reefing pennant, which holds the sail abaft, released and the lazy jack broke.” Once the calm weather returned, he made the most of that time to scale the mast and repair everything.

The Belgian skipper then continued his progress towards the Cape of Good Hope. It was in a sporadic wind that Denis sailed along the Southern Ocean exclusion zone during the third week of the race, before rounding the Cape of Good Hope last Sunday.

He describes the scene: “The past few days have been a little monotonous due to always being on the same tack. Sometimes I have some breeze, sometimes I have no breeze. I’ve had a little bit of everything. For the past few days though, I’ve really had my work cut out. The wind is fluctuating between 8 and 25 knots and I’m having to do a lot of manoeuvring: furling the J0, unfurling it, setting the J2, putting in and then shaking out a reef… I’ve got plenty to do! That’s not a bad thing as it’s enabling me to warm up for the Southern Ocean, which is imminent.”

Now in uncharted territory, Denis is discovering seas he’s never sailed before. More than the sense of apprehension, the overriding emotion is one of eagerness at the prospect of discovering the mysterious Roaring 40s and the Furious 50s. “I’m looking forward to it. I feel very confident and also humbled as I prepare to take on these seas,” he admitted at the end of last week.

Le skipper belge a ensuite continué sa progression en direction du Cap de Bonne Espérance. C’est dans un vent sporadique que Denis a longé la zone d’exclusion des mers du Sud lors de la troisième semaine de course avant de passer le Cap de Bonne Espérance dimanche dernier. Il raconte : “Ces derniers jours étaient un peu monotones, toujours sur le même bord. J’avais parfois du vent, parfois pas de vent, j’ai eu un peu de tout. Mais depuis quelques jours je ne suis pas en reste. Le vent varie entre 8 et 25 noeuds, j’ai beaucoup de manoeuvres à faire : enrouler le J0, le dérouler, mettre le J2, prendre un ris puis le lâcher… je suis bien occupé ! Ce n’est pas plus mal, cela me permet de m’échauffer pour les mers du Sud qui approchent.” Désormais en terre inconnue, Denis découvre des mers sur lesquelles il n’a jamais navigué auparavant. Plus que l’appréhension, c’est l’impatience qui prédomine à l’idée de découvrir les mystérieux 40e rugissants et 50e hurlants. “Je suis impatient, j’ai beaucoup de confiance mais aussi d’humilité avant d’affronter ces mers.” confiait-il en fin de semaine dernière.

“An IMOCA campaign involves a boat, a team, a skipper and partners. It was an almighty challenge for D’Ieteren Group to commit to such an extraordinary project, which is breaking new ground. They’ve been won over. They’ve taken the risk, which is very much in line with their enterprising culture. They’re setting a fine example with strong values associated with boldness, risk taking and pushing the envelope. Heading down the pontoon at the start is a fantastic moment and just being at the start of the Vendée Globe is already a victory in itself. It is a pleasure to be on the water. The atmosphere has changed now. It’s beginning to turn grey and I’ve pulled my foulies back on. We’re really in the Southern Ocean! I’m sticking close to the sheets but it’s always just as imposing.”