Finding the right compromise

Now in the Pacific Ocean, positioned to the south of New Zealand, Giancarlo Pedote is contending with a very fluky northerly / westerly breeze this Monday. “The wind is fluctuating between 15 and 20 knots but there are scattered clouds and some nice bright spells. I’m trying to find the right compromise between pushing my chances and hunting down wind, going into the ice zone at one point and staying in a calmer area the next in a bid to preserve my boat”. As a result, the skipper of Prysmian Group is having to grin and bear it whilst trying to make the most of the simple little pleasures aboard his IMOCA. “I like looking at the photos of the people who are dear to me and I realise that I’m missing quite a few images. I’m lucky to have a lot of good friends and I could have brought ten times as many images with me! During the various voyages I’ve made around the world, I’ve amassed a big stock of humanity and it’s a wonderful gift!” explained Giancarlo, who is relishing the fact that he has his children’s soft toys with him, along with a bit of music and some good Italian food. “It’s comforting”, assures the sailor, admitting that he sometimes has some strange dreams at this stage of the race. “When you’re at an advanced stage of fatigue, it’s a frequent occurrence. That’s the name of the game. I’ve been getting accustomed to it for a while now. Moreover, I’m beginning to have some longer siestas now, for an hour or sometimes more than that, to ensure that my sleep is really refreshing. Forty minutes is no longer enough”, concludes Giancarlo Pedote.