Marc Guillemot has found his rhythm aboard his Vintage Multi, and after decades of ocean racing, nothing about this Atlantic crossing seems to rattle him.
The veteran skipper says his experience is proving its worth, not in pushing the boat to its limits, but in knowing when not to. He's drawing on his years at sea to protect his catamaran, easing off when the sea state demands it rather than chasing raw speed.
That restraint is the whole game at this stage of the Route du Rhum.
Guillemot has also been keeping half an eye on François Guiffant, a rival he clearly feels close to on the water. The two are tracking each other's progress closely, a reminder that even solo racing across an ocean has its quiet rivalries and companionships.
Ahead lies the trade winds. Guillemot can see them building on the horizon, and with them should come a change of pace for the fleet.
The alizés, as they're known in French sailing circles, tend to bring more consistent breeze and a faster, more settled ride toward Guadeloupe.
Guillemot isn't just focused on his own race, though. He had plenty of praise for the younger generation of skippers making their mark on this edition, calling their performances remarkable, a notable comment from a sailor who has watched generations of French solo sailors come through the ranks.
With the trade winds filling in, the next stretch of the crossing should bring faster, more predictable sailing for Guillemot and the rest of the Vintage Multi fleet as they press on toward the Caribbean.
