Route Du Rhum Q&A
Ahead of the Route du Rhum race, Pip answers your questions:
What’s your favourite sweet snack?
I’m more into savoury snacks – cherry tomatoes are my favourite. But when I’m racing it’s great have some sweet snacks to keep energy up and it feels like a treat – I love Nakd fruit and nut bars and carry them onboard (the cacao ones are amazing).
How do you monitor sleep & rest times?
I approach sleep in two ways. Firstly, I try and get the minimum amount I need to function in a 24-hour period and for me that’s four hours. I can’t sleep for longer than 30 minutes at a time because there’s just too much going on on the boat and I need to check the environment and make sure I’m still going fast. And the I try to bank sleep when I can, so if I know I have a particularly challenging part of the course ahead then I’ll try and bank as much sleep as I possibly can. I wear a sports tracker and work with Aparito to monitor my key stats onboard like heart rate, sleep and calorie intake and we assess it after each race. You can find out more about my sleep routine on YouTube
How is it sailing with crew mates as opposed to alone. Do you feel more anxious being responsible for crew ?
The IMOCA is only really set up for three people so it can feel crowded with crew onboard, it’s also hard if you’re sailing with other experienced skippers as you can all want to be in the same place on the boat at one time. I do feel a sense of responsibility when others are on the boat, but sailing with other skippers is invaluable – in the Round Britain and Ireland Race I sailed with four other crew and it was an incredible learning experience for me.
How did you solve the problem of water from the cockpit getting down below?
If there’s a lot of water coming over the deck, or the boat might decelerate quickly, then I can put a dam in the cockpit. That stops water going down below, but I also close the hatch door.
How do you decide which route to take: the Rhum route with double points up for grabs or the longer southern route?
That is what is preoccupying all the skippers right now. Every single day I am looking at the weather, running routes and yes, the quickest route is to stay north for a bit longer, but the safer option is to go south. I run multiple routes, changing the parameters for each route, and eventually I will make my decision based on my appetite for risk.
Is this a solo race or with your crew?
The Route du Rhum is a solo race.
What's Medallia's favourite point of sail?
Definitely reaching. If we’re getting specific and technical, it’s 110 true wind angle.
How do you cope with sailing in high waves in the ocean how does a yacht keep upright and straight it must get awfully lonely out there?
We are going to experience some really big seas in the first four days of the race - the forecast is predicting around 6 metres, which is very big. But I’m confident that this boat was designed to take on those seas, I know it’s strong. I’m also very specific about the way I sail the boat, the course I chose and the sail area I use.
I don’t really get lonely, even in that kind of weather - I’m in the place that I want to be. And I know I have people on shore who are there for me if I need them. I just focus on getting to the finish line safely.
How long does Pip estimate to be racing in this event?
Roughly two weeks - but a sailing is an unpredictable sport!
Can Pip tell us a little more about what it’s like to have Medallia as a sponsor?
Medallia is an incredible sponsor to work with and I feel so grateful to have their support, and that they’ve been by my side since the start. We share many of the same values and it’s great to work with like-minded people.
How will this race help you prepare for 2024? Are there any specific areas you are focusing on that you know you need to work on?
This is the last race of the season and so it’s a great chance for us as a team to look back on the year and really look at what we’ve learned and what we can take into next year. I’ve learned a lot from the other races this year – the Bermudes 1000 taught me I need to have more focus at the start of a race to mentally prepare. I also had a big wipe out and so it taught me to stay close to the ground when the boat’s going fast! The big learning in the Vendée Arctique was the use of foils and pushing the boat hard, and the Round Britain and Ireland race was a big lesson on using all of the weather resources available and sailing in light winds. To watch my wrap up of the year so far watch the YouTube video
What would you recommend as a way for up and coming sailors to secure sponsorship?
I would say keep your eyes out for sponsorship opportunities on social media, follow and engage with the brands you’d like to partner with. And focus on raising your own profile – go out there and get the miles, talk about what you’re doing on social and share your experience, talk to people and connect and don’t give up – finding sponsorship is hard.
Watch Pip’s Q&A where she talks about this in more detail.
Is there anything about the course of the Route du Rhum that sets it apart (technically or problematically) from all other races?
The course is fairly classic. The beginning is similar to the start of the Vendée Globe and the Transat Jules Vabre (TJV). It’s weather systems and time of year that we’re used to as we leave northern Europe; dodging the low pressure systems that come across the Atlantic as we find our way down to the trade winds.
What sets this race apart is that it’s so big - 138 competitors, all single-handed, will cross the start line. It’s the biggest solo race that there is and that’s what makes it special.
What is used for weather routing, maybe small demo?
We use Adrena and Expedition.
What autopilot do you use and how bomb proof are they?
I use B&G H5000 pilots and (touching wood!), they are bomb proof, but I do have a lot of redundancy options on board. So I have three rudder reference units that tell me what angle the rudders are at, two computers, three processors, two autopilot rams, so I can cope and change all of the elements. I also have alarms set up so I know if any of the sensors aren’t working properly.
Who sails the boat back, after the race?
I will sail the boat back with some of the team. It’s a great opportunity for them to spend time on the boat at sea and will really help them when they’re doing things on shore.
How do you manage seasickness? Do you get it every time you go to sea?
I am lucky that I have never suffered with seasickness, but I know many sailors who do and cope by medicating.
What would make the Rhum count as a success?
There are a number of goals I have. Read all about this in my recent blog post.
Any advice for two women who want to race shorthanded for the first time inc spinnaker?
Don’t be afraid to do things differently - you might do manoeuvres in a different way to two men and that’s ok. And don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do!
Can I do work experience with you?
We don’t have any opportunities at the moment but please keep an eye on our social media channels as we’ll share any work experience opportunities here.
Do you feel better prepared than previous years?
We’ve been working on the boat for a full year and the team have really excelled. At the start of this race, the boat is feeling strong. We’ve managed to adapt certain elements to suit me and my sailing style. We’re trying some new things - I’ve got a bunk for the first time ever on an IMOCA! So I feel really confident about the boat.
In terms of my own preparation, I still haven’t quite managed to deal with the pre-race frenzy. This is a really big race and the noise and the village are amazing - but also really distracting, so I’ve got a bit to learn about how to manage myself pre-race.
Will you pass by your stand on Wednesday or Thursday? Or where to see you on those days?
I will be down on the boat throughout the week of the Route du Rhum, so do come and say hello!
How do you switch off from everyday routine into prerace mode?
The lead up to the race is really busy, so I try and spend time alone on the boat if I can. Or I’ll go for a long run!
What made you get into ocean racing?
I’ve always wanted to do it – I read a magazine when I was 17 years old and learned about the Vendée Globe and it just sounded incredible – the freedom, the challenge, all of it. I love sailing as a sport because there’s always room to stretch and grow – it challenges you in every way and I’m never going to know everything about it, there’s always something to learn. I just love it.