Sailing Experience

In order to meet the minimum requirement of 8,000 ocean miles and an additional 2,000 solo ocean miles before the start, Louis expects to have logged 4,000 in August 2024 and more than 5,500 by the end of September. With one year left to complete his degree, he plans to undertake a solo transatlantic voyage in Autumn 2025. Until then, he intends to sail whenever possible!

Why the GGR?

I first heard about the GGR through my Godmother Mirabelle, who took part in the 2022/23 Ocean Globe Race on board Evrika. There was a meeting for the 2022 edition, and I asked Dominique [Dubois] what this race was. He told me, “It is a race for real madmen.” You don’t know me well yet (we exchanged a few words at the start of the OGR), but people who do would say I am mad enough. With that settled, I needed to sail. I had very little experience in yacht sailing, having sailed dinghies all my life, so I sailed on Futuro and then on Evrika. In parallel, I passed the Yachtmaster Offshore exam in summer 2023.

I read all the books: A World of My Own, Lionheart, Dove, The Long Route… This comforted me in my decision. Additionally, I was able to speak with Jean-Luc VDH at the start of the GGR. He helped me find the boat I purchased through Jean-Francois Mazan from Michael Guggenberger. I was ready to apply last September, but my studies meant that I wasn’t sure I could compete. Now I am sure; all indicators are in the green.

Best and Worst Aspects

The worst would have to be the doldrums.

The best is for sure the storms of the Southern Ocean.

The Boat

Louis will be sailing Michael Guggenberger‘s boat Nuri from the 2022/23 Golden Globe Race. He purchased the boat in January, and plans to keep it in La Trinité-sur-Mer, hauling out at Les Portes de l’Atlantique when necessary.

Nuri was originally refitted for the GGR in 2018 by Falmouth Boat Construction LTD. During this first refit, the whole structure of the hull and deck was reinforced, plus a new rig and new engine was installed. During the second refit, Michael remounted all of the interior in case of a rollover, added a new electrical system and worked on various issues.

Technical Boat Photos