DEAD HORSE BAY — One of the many races to take place before the Vendée Globe (a single-handed, non-stop, non-assisted round-the-world sailing race) is the Transat CIC, which involves a 3,500-mile eight-day journey from Lorient, France to New York. Coincidentally, the Transat CIC concluded on May 8 in none other than Brooklyn’s Dead Horse Bay, home of the Moonbeam Gateway Marina.

At the marina, the Brooklyn Eagle included a chance to speak with skippers about their extreme undertaking, slated to take place on Nov. 10, when they will set off from Les Sables-d’Olonne in Vendée and sail approximately 24,300 miles around the globe. 

The Vendée Globe, which has been nicknamed the Everest of the Seas, typically takes 90 days and will be celebrating its 10th edition in 2024. The event happens every four years.

IMOCA President Antoine Mermod.
Brooklyn Eagle Photos by Wayne Daren Schneiderman

The race has acquired an international reputation, attracting skippers from all over the world, and is contested on IMOCA monohulls.

Founded in 1991 and recognized by the World Sailing (International Sailing Federation), the International Monohull Open Class Association (IMOCA) manages the class of 60-foot Open monohulls. IMOCA defines the rules guaranteeing sporting equity by developing the innovation and safety of the boats.

Californian Jay Thompson, who is the skipper of the Initiatives-Coeur, explained that the Transat CIC race is a great way to prepare and test his boat — and pinpoint its weaknesses — for the main event (the Vendée Globe).

“On May 29, the New York Vendée, another race — this one from New York back to France — will happen,” Thompson said. “And a few smaller races will take place after that one.”

“But I am really looking forward to the Vendée Globe and the challenges that lie ahead.” 

Thompson noted that sleeping and eating will be one of the more interesting challenges.

“We will eat only freeze-dried foods, and for sleeping, you simply take naps — between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. But when that is going on, there are sensors and cameras onboard that help keep a lookout when you cannot.” 

Louis Burton, who is from France, is the skipper of the Bureau Vallee and referred to the race in November as “legendary.” 

Burton also pointed out that route-changing waves and winds, as well as ice, and currents could definitely make for challenges along the way – and could potentially cause damage to the boat. However, sailors are allowed no physical help and everything must be done at sea.

Burton also offered his thoughts on New York — specifically Brooklyn — which he last visited as a 12-year-old. 

“It’s a wonderful memory,” he said. “And I’m glad to be back.” 

David Shin is a past commodore at Miramar Yacht Club, one of the oldest and most renowned clubs in all of Brooklyn. Shin was also in attendance at Moonbeam Gateway Marina, and told the Eagle that he is “always looking to support sailors, and provide backing for those involved in the Vendée Globe, and any of the other races” — including opening up his club to them, which he has done and will continue to do.

“Miramar wants to further sailing in New York, and make it more of a household name,” Shin explained.   

Miramar, founded in 1932, was incorporated and reorganized as a cooperative yacht club in 1944, taking the name Miramar Yacht Club.