Giancarlo Pedote: “Going for it without overthinking it”

This Sunday 7 November at 12:27 UTC on the dot, the 15th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre will set sail. The 22 pairs competing in the 60-foot IMOCA category, including Prysmian Group, will be setting off on a 5,800-mile course bound for Martinique, via the Brazilian archipelago of Fernando de Noronha. Giancarlo Pedote and Martin Le Pape are in the starting blocks feeling both enthusiastic and determined, as well as a little philosophical.  “Kick-off time is approaching. There are only a few hours to go now and I’m making the most of every moment. I’m taking full advantage of everything. When you’re lining up for the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre for the fourth time, with a Vendée Globe behind you to boot, it gives you a certain confidence in yourself as well as in the boat”, explains Giancarlo who, thanks to his experience, is today managing to savour things in a different way, with a lot less anxiety and apprehension. “Following a round the world, you’re already bound to be prepared for the unknown. In a certain way, you’ve already prepared the playing field well. As such, today, let’s say the comfort zone is somewhat larger, even though crossing the Atlantic is still no mean feat!” admits the Italian, who isn’t underestimating what lies ahead, rather he is putting it into perspective. “It enables you to minimise the stress which, to my mind, is a positive thing as stress zaps your energy. Of course, some stress is necessary for performance, but it’s essential to channel it as best you can so as not to let it consume you”, explains the skipper of Prysmian Group. Precious moments etched in one’s mind Like his co-skipper, Giancarlo is eager to get going, but as is his wont, he remains focused on the here and now. “It’s not really until 12:27 UTC that I’ll really feel keen to set sail. Prior to that, I’m going to continue focusing on the preparation and savouring the final moments with my nearest and dearest. These are precious moments, which I will etch in my mind and remember fondly whilst I’m at sea”, explains Giancarlo, who is preparing for a sea passage of around 18 days. The race should kick off at top speed with the first few miles set to be a bit bracing thanks to a NW’ly breeze of 15-20 knots, which will enable him, as well as his rivals, to exit the English Channel fairly quickly, on a single tack, before things get a bit more complicated at the north-west tip of Brittany, where the first strategic choices will be called for. “We’re really going to have to be on top of our game for the first week. It will be important to be in race mode from the outset. After that, we’ll have to just go for it without overthinking things.”