In the first episode of their logbook for AFP, the two skippers with the orange caps show themselves divided between the emotion of leaving their loved ones for three or four months and the joy of finally embarking "on the road of great adventurers ".

"Waiting is part of the game"

Their "Use it again", the trimaran with which Ellen McArthur had broken the record for the round-the-world trip "upright" in 2005, was due to leave in December from Cadiz, near the departure port of the Magellan expedition there. is 500 years old (1519-1522).

For health reasons, the flight remained Breton, in a small group.

But the skippers made the most of the long weeks of waiting for favorable winds.

Romain Pilliard: "During the first departure windows, we finished our preparation, we were still in the rush. There we were much cooler, we were able to have a good moment of relaxation with the family. With my wife and my three children , we isolated ourselves on the Breton islands, so as not to catch the Covid or something else. The five of us were very well (...). The wait is part of the game, it adds a little spice to the 'adventure".

The Spanish skipper Alex Pella aboard the "Use it again" sailboat on December 14, 2021 in Lorient Fred TANNEAU AFP / Archives

Alex Pella: "When you do this kind of challenge, the only time you have a little choice of weather is the first week (...). You have to be patient. I had already experienced it, it was my 5th stand-by for a round-the-world record. It's not easy, because you can't do anything. You mustn't get injured, don't nab the Covid. You can't launch anything as a project. For me who travels a lot, it was good. I have a small family, two babies at home. It was like confinement (spring 2020), I took the opportunity to stay a little with them. almost looks like it was done on purpose, for the holiday season. "

- "A small pinch in the heart" -

Romain Pilliard: "We are leaving the world of earthlings, we are leaving the family. Of course, it's a bit special. It's a not easy transition. It's always a little pang in the heart but we wants to join this family of great adventurers, great sailors, who are not that many have done this tour backwards. We say to ourselves that we are attacking a potentially historical piece (...). is committed to doing things well, calmly. To take care of our boat. And above all, above all, to go to the end. We start cool, because the road is long. We will accelerate when necessary ".

The skipper Romain Pilliard aboard his "Use it again" sailboat off La Trinité-sur-Mer, May 25, 2021 LOIC VENANCE AFP / Archives

Alex Pella: "In a few days we will be more in the challenge, but for now I'm still letting go (...). It was really difficult for me this time because I have started a family late in life. It's not easy to leave them. On the other hand, I really want to do this journey. Compared to Magellan, because I love history. I have been watching the course every day for at least three years. But also for the pleasure of being at sea, to see new trajectories. We will pass through exotic places, in the Pacific, places where we do not go. 'ordinary in ocean racing'.

Interview by Fanny CARRIER

© 2022 AFP