L’Occitane en Provence : les deux grands défis de Clarisse Crémer

Seven months after embarking on her adventure with L'Occitane en Provence with the support of Alex Thomson, the navigator is preparing to cross the Atlantic twice in less than three months. On the agenda: the Transat Jacques Vabre in a double-handed race (starting on October 20) and then the solo ‘Retour à la Base’ (starting on November 26). This second race is crucial as it will qualify her for the upcoming Vendée Globe. Clarisse approaches this series of events in her characteristic manner: with enthusiasm, seriousness, and determination.

The recent successful transfer of L'Occitane en Provence to Le Havre, the starting port for the Transat Jacques Vabre, was completed over the weekend to avoid the impending challenging conditions. "The only thing to report is that it's starting to get cold at night; it's just winter" Clarisse Crémer explains. However, this journey further demonstrates the cohesion of a team that has been tirelessly active for just a few months. "Week by week, we can feel that everyone is taking on their roles, becoming more efficient, understanding each other, and providing more support" emphasizes Clarisse.

A Precious Qualification for the Vendée Globe

A team has emerged as the clock has never really stopped since last April. Behind the smiles and friendly gestures, there is a persistent sense that the team is on the right track. "Being at the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre is a culmination after this particularly unique year for all of us" continues the skipper. "But we remain highly focused; we have not lost sight of our goals."

Indeed, the goals are mounting, as the coming weeks will be crucial to participate to the Vendée Globe, scheduled to start in November 2024. To qualify, one must cross the finish line of the ‘Retour à La Base’ race, which will take place from Fort-de-France to Lorient, starting on November 26 and requiring a challenging race in the North Atlantic with potentially harsh weather. Before looking ahead to that, there's a significant step to overcome: the Transat Jacques Vabre and its 5400 nautical miles.

"In our duo, all the indicators are green."

"I have a lot of respect for the Transat Jacques Vabre, which is a historic race" explains Clarisse. "But we will do everything to be as cautious as possible to avoid jeopardizing our chances for the rest of the project." The stakes are high and require a degree of caution, which may not be easy when you're a competitor. "We may have to set aside the 'racing mode.' It's up to us not to forget that."

To achieve this and maintain maximum serenity until Martinique, Clarisse has many strengths. First, there is the boat that "leaves little doubt about reliability and structure." And then there's the partnership formed with the British sailor Alan Roberts, which was already in place for the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Défi Azimut. "In our duo, all the indicators are green" she assures. "We have very transparent communication, we listen to each other a lot... We have everything it takes to work well together!"

The challenge in the coming days is to pace themselves. The long-distance race that has been ongoing since the beginning of the project has been particularly grueling on their bodies and stamina. Clarisse acknowledges that her "physical preparation could have been more extensive" and that the past few months "have been demanding." True to her character, she doesn't hide it, but she adds with a smile, "there's nothing negative; the project is fantastic, and most importantly, our spirits are high!"