Pierre-Louis Attwell:

Environment & Kids

1. If you had to convince someone to do their part in protecting our oceans, what would you say to them?

That the oceans are one of the last areas of freedom and that it is essential to protect them

2. We are continuing our theme this year #AtCup1Thing where we want fans to commit to doing one thing for the planet. What’s the one thing you do to protect the planet or our oceans?

I pay close attention to waste during the races. I also pay close attention to water consumption

3. The Atlantic Cup also has a robust Kids program supported by ​11​ Hour Racing​, where we teach kids about offshore racing, geography and protecting the planet. We also ask the Kids pick their favourite team. Tell us why Atlantic Cup Kids should vote for your team.

We are a young team, we represent patients with Crohn’s disease because I have this disease myself. Our goal is to show that “even when sick, everything is possible!”. We wish to sail across the oceans to share our message.

Sailing Information

1. What makes you tough enough to race in the Atlantic Cup?

2020 will be our second season on our Class40 135. We’re participating to the Atlantic Cup to learn, to dream and to travel but also to take part to a great competition.

2. For someone who doesn’t understand short-handed offshore sailing, can you explain it in less than 2 sentences?

Short-handed offshore sailing is the best way to confront the elements and nature. It’s an incredible team challenge where you have to take advantage of everyone’s quality

3. What do you think about the leg from New York to Portland?

It will surely be fantastic, I can’t wait to discover places where I have never sailed.

4. How old were you when you first went sailing?

7 years old with my father.

5. How did you get into competitive sailing?

I start sailing with my father on the family boat and then discover competitive sailing at the sailing school

6. Describe sailing to you in one word.

Freedom

7. In what way are you superstitious before a race?

I am superstitious during the baptism of the boat. The bottle of champagne must break!

8. Number of transatlantic crossings under sail:

1, last year on the Transat Jacques Vabre

9. Please list some of your sailing career highlights  

2019 : ​11ème ​– Transat Jacques Vabre, ​5ème​ – 40 Malouines SACIB –

Class40, ​1er​ – Normandie Cup – Class40, ​7ème​ – Normandy Channel Race – Class40.

2018 : ​34ème​ – Solitaire URGO – Le Figaro, ​25ème​ – Le Havre Allmer Cup, 20ème​ – Solo Normandie

10.What is one of your goals for your sailing career?

Sail as long as i can and make my childhood dream come true

11.What is your 2020 race schedule?

Atlantic Cup, Quebec Saint Malo, Normandy Channel Race

12.What are your sailing strengths?

I have a great team that accompanies me and fantastic partners. My sailing strengths are others.

13.What do you like most about being offshore? What do you like least?

I love freedom, to be offshore with nature. I don’t like drinking desalinated water

14.What is your biggest fear of being alone on deck?

Falling overboard

15.What makes you and your co-skipper a good team?

Not known yet

16.What do you see is your biggest challenge in this race?

The biggest challenge for a sailor is to be on the starting line, then it’s fun

17.How do you rate your chances in the Atlantic Cup? Who do you think is the favourite?

I don’t matter about the chance i have, i will do the best as i can and we’ll see results! 145, Eärendil is a very good team. They have a good boat and very talented crew.

18. Is it true that if you sleep on the offshore legs you’ll lose?

No, you have to find the right balance to not be exhausted and stay efficient

19.Because of the limited number of sails you’re allowed to carry how does sail preservation and damage figure in your strategy?

Sails are an important part of the boat. They must be in good condition to be effective, but they are damaged quickly. We always keep our old sails for training or we recycle them to make products like bags. So they have a second life…

Miscellaneous

1. What is your favorite sports team?

Dongfeng on Ocean Race.

2. What is your favorite type of music?

French 80’s and 90’s music

3. What your favourite song?

Charles Aznavour, Emmenez-moi

4. If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you want to meet?

Captain Jack Sparrow!

5. What’s your favorite thing to eat when you’re offshore? Least favorite?

I like the duck breast confit with roasted potatoes. I like freeze-dried foods less

6. What is your favorite movie?

StarGate SG-1 !

7. What do you do to relax during your free time?

Netflix, sport, beach et friends.

8. Do you have any hidden talents?

I make a very nice imitation of the dolphin sound