Vendée Globe, the day of pedest. “Unpredictable regatta, proud to have completed it”

Today Tuesday at 08:34 UTC, after 85 days, 20 hours and 32 minutes at sea, Giancarlo Pedote crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe off Les Sables d’Olonne. The Prysmian skipper, who four years ago concluded the regatta with an exceptional eighth place, this time completed the circumnavigation of the globe in 22nd position. A result lower than the initial expectations, which however does not in any way diminish the intensity and wealth of this experience. Faithful to his methodical and enthusiastic approach, Italian has once again shown that he knows how to face the uncertainties of the ocean sail with resilience, always giving the most regardless of the circumstances.

Since the first weeks of regatta, Giancarlo showed his commitment to the challenge and his bold spirit. Off the Canarie, he did not hesitate to take a risky tactical decision, crossing a bonaccia area to try to go up the ranking. However, the risks at sea are rarely without consequences and this choice led him to lose positions. To this was added the breakdown of a sail that required 14 hours of repair in a fundamental moment for the strategy. A frustrating situation, but which revealed its mentality: always ready to seize every opportunity to make the difference. In the next stretch, particularly in the South Atlantic, he fought with determination in several close duels. However, the approach to the southern ocean marked a turning point.

The head of good hope is dubbed, Prysmian’s skipper was still in the game, but the Indian ocean has reserved a very hard challenge. A series of low pressure systems fell on the without respite, putting it to the test. “It was like being in a gigantic washing machine,” he said, describing the violence of the wind and the sea. In this stretch he underwent crucial damage: the left rudder has released from his location, compromising the control of the boat. “At one point I really wondered if I would have managed to get to this regatta at the bottom,” he admitted. Every time the boat accelerated up to 30 knots, the rudder attached himself, forcing him to slow down to limit the damage. “I immediately understood that I could not fight it, having already lived a similar experience in the Mini 6.50”. Despite the hours spent trying repairs, he had to accept to navigate at reduced speed, losing contact with competitors in front of him.

In the South Atlantic, Giancarlo hoped to be able to recover ground, but the rudder problem and unstable weather conditions continued to penalize it. “The rise of the Atlantic was exhausting, with very strong winds alternating with moments of flat calm. The opportunities to really push the boat were very few,” he explained once they arrive on the ground. Despite these difficulties, he kept his head high: “In the ocean sail, it is necessary to know how to accept certain situations. My goal has therefore become that bringing the boat back in port and drawing teachings from this experience”.

Cutting the finish line on February 4, he did not hide his satisfaction, despite the disappointment for the result. “I couldn’t wait to arrive. The last part of the regatta seemed to me endless.” Compared to four years ago, when he completed around the world in 80 days, this time he took 85 days, a difference that has made himself heard in recent weeks. More complicated than the previous one, this second Vendée Globe has allowed him to deepen his ability to face the unexpected and overcome his limits. “The Vendée Globe is a restaurant where you cannot choose the menu: you have to accept what the chef, Neptune, decides to serve you”. After the brilliant eighth place of the last edition, he once again demonstrated his determination and his spirit of challenge, always looking for new goals. And if this edition has left him a little frustration, he will also be the stimulus for the forty -nine -year -old sailor to return even stronger. “Each vendée globe is unique and must be faced with humility. This regatta is unpredictable. I am proud to have completed it despite the difficulties. But above all I don’t want to think that the final evaluation of four years of hard work and my team, yes Limit simply to a number. .