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Solo Sailing Races In France
January 12, 2010
An evening of talks at Alliance Française, Thursday 4 February 7.45pm
Irish Sailor Paul Ó RIAIN competed solo onboard his yacht “CityJet” in La Solitaire du Figaro in 2007, a gruelling 1,800 mile 4 stage yacht race between France, Ireland and Spain. Come and hear Paul speak about racing in the world’s most competitive solo sailing event. Hear about battling sleep deprivation when skippers cannot sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time during races. Learn how he dealt with mental fatigue & exhaustion, the difficulties, the severe storms that hit the fleet racing in the Atlantic and the mamoth task of taking on this iconic race against the best sailors in the world.
British Sailor Steve WHITE staked all to compete in the 2008-9 Vendée Globe solo round the world race. His story, of how he made it to the start of the biggest, toughest and most dramatic round the world sailing race ever and completed his remarkable circumnavigation to finish an incredible 8th place from 30 starters is both inspiring and compelling. White was a late comer to ocean racing but became hooked by every aspect of solo and short handed racing, refusing to let anything stand in the way of his dream. In the end his project went to the 11th hour but he had all the essential skills to complete the race, including 4 transatlantic races and more besides. Racing alongside many of the top professionals in the sport, White prevailed when many didn’t. Ultimately White was one of only 11 to finish and proved to be a talented solo ocean racer plus a colourful and good humoured communicator throughout.
The talk will be in English with questions and answers (in French and English) including photographs & video footage and a wine reception afterwards.
Admission Free.
RSVP: info@alliance-francaise.ie
Alliance Française, 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 676 17 32 www.alliance-francaise.ie
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