Early commitment Le Cléach and Josse return to defend their Ultim title

Meeting them again on the eve of this 17th edition of the race it is immediately apparent theirs is a partnership which has a strong personal chemistry, going way beyond aggregating professional skills and strengths. Josse has brought his huge experience and tenacity but he has helped Armel mellow without dulling his renowned competitive edge.

Two years ago, after their win – Armel’s first multihull Transatlantic victory – Josse explained, “I had to really prove myself first. Armel is very strict and concentrated. He learned that I can be fun but I am focussed and really professional. When we started to work together, he more or less said ‘if you are too much fun it is not possible to be so strong in your job.’ But I know I can do both, he knows now I can do both, I can be really focussed but I can be fun. Breaking the tension with a little levity from time to time makes for good chemistry It is important. It is a key to ocean racing to smile sometimes.”

In reality, even though they have known each other for over 25 years, Armel Le Cléac'h and Sébastien Josse have only been sailing together since 2023 and the last edition of what was then called the Transat Jacques Vabre.

“Sébastien and I started on the Figaro circuit at roughly the same time," says Armel. "Then he left to sail IMOCAs, and I joined the circuit." Josse joined the Banque Populaire team in 2022 to help Armel prepare for the Route du Rhum. "He brought his expertise to the team," continues Le Cléac’h "Our visions are complementary. He's opened my eyes to help us be even better. Quite naturally, the idea of sailing double-handed became obvious. In reality few sailors are capable of sailing our machines in the conditions we set ourselves. With Séb, it's a natural fit."

The pleasure of double-handed sailing

For both sailors, this double-handed format is a clever mix of solo and crewed sailing, a real plus on these giants of the sea. "It's solo sailing for two," Armel says. "Just like when you're in a crew, you're reassured when you go to sleep, you have confidence in your co-skipper. The maneuvers are also done as a pair, which makes them easier. Everything is easier as a duo, especially on these boats. And

so the fun is there from the beginning to the end of the race." "Solo sailing for two" is the perfect term because in the cockpit, the two sailors constantly take turns in the bunk. "

We'll be together for the maneuvers and to make strategic decisions," Armel continues, "but ultimately, we'll also take turns a lot. When one sleeps, the other is on standby. It's a blind trust that we've built in each other." A relationship that's essential to prepare Armel for solo events. "When the boat is sailing, we're always on board," explains Sébastien. "The priority is to continue to develop it and reassure Armel when we're in a semi-solo race. He's sailing more relaxed, I think; it prepares him for what's to come and the upcoming events."

"Everyone has a chance"

The only class to cross into the southern hemisphere, the ULTIM fleet is setting off on its longest race of the year. "No one has sailed for more than 3 or 4 days this year," comments Armel. “We're off for 12 days at sea. The course is twice as long as the direct route, but that's the game, and we'll see who can get into the rhythm quickly." Because the field remains competitive.

"Everyone has a chance," analyzes Armel. "Of course, on paper, we're the defending champions. SVR-Lazartigue finished second last time, they’ve won two races this season, so they might have a slight advantage with the bookmakers." But the new Actual Ultim 4 (ex-Gitana of Charles Caudrelier) is a formidable boat that has won everything in recent years. "Everything is open on the Atlantic."