The youngest sailor in the race Violette Dorange (Devenir, 26th) who, at 23, continues to impress with her dynamism and down-to-earth approach. She passed her last test, having to dismantle her winch column for seven hours to repair it,

“Physically, there are times when my arms hurt everywhere, I’m very stiff, but it’s not serious, everything is fine. What helps me not to give up is telling myself that I am incredibly lucky to be here! There are little difficult moments, but it’s nothing compared to the fact that I feel so good on my boat. I feel free, I feel in tune with my boat because I’m starting to understand it better and better and it’s a pure joy to be here!

“But now it’s better, I’m so happy to soon arrive at the end of this Indian Ocean which really hasn’t been easy for our pack, because we have had one series of depressions. Now it’s going to be a little calmer in the days to come, and then it’s the Pacific, I can’t wait. I have all the little messages from my loved ones, they have prepared lots of things for me and when things aren’t going well, I look at them, or I reread their words. And otherwise, what helps me not to give up is to tell myself that I am incredibly lucky to be there, and a big thought for Pip who has to stop while she is not halfway through his Vendée Globe. When I found out about this, I was so sad for her! I tell myself that even if there are difficult moments, I would be so unhappy if my Vendée Globe ended like that, overnight, so I enjoy every moment. There are difficult moments, but that’s nothing compared to the fact that I feel so good on my boat. I feel free, I feel in tune with my boat because I’m starting to understand it better and better, and it’s just a great joy to be here and I have the impression that we’re moving forward on the card and it’s incredible!

“So for ten days I managed to be safe and keep the boat in good condition before the competition with the other boats. My boat is fine now and I had a few small repairs to do. On Saturday I repaired my winch on a stand for seven hours and so I’m proud of myself, it was hard. When it’s hard, I sometimes need to scream or cry a little to release the pressure but most of the time, I feel confident in my boat. I am very lucky to sail on this boat which is very, very safe. »