The Ocean Race: Sanni Beucke on her anticipation of the Southern Ocean leg - and "sleepless nights"
Jochen Rieker
· 04.01.2023
There is a strange mixture of bustling activity and relaxed tranquillity in Alicante's outer harbour. While the event teams and TV crews are just beginning to set up the OB vans, lights, loudspeakers and illuminated boards for the start of the Ocean Race, the sailors and boat builders are in the final stages of preparation.
Sanni Beucke, who yesterday helped haul in the halyards and hoist the new mainsail of the "Holcim - PRB", was right in the middle of it all, fully integrated into a team that she only joined at the end of last year: that of Kevin Escoffier, winner of the last Volvo Ocean Race and a sporting legend in France at the latest since his accident in the Southern Ocean and the subsequent rescue operation by Jean Le Cam.
We met him and Sanni at the dock yesterday and spoke to the 31-year-old about her surprising appointment, her programme at the regatta, her expectations, fears and her currently dormant Figaro campaign:
Sanni, what was it like when you got the confirmation for the Ocean Race via WhatsApp: was it more of a quiet goosebump moment or did you burst into loud cheers?
No, it wasn't like that. At first, Kevin asked me if I wanted to do the Southern Ocean. I already realised what direction it could take. And when the time really came, I had a mixture of real anticipation, but also a few sleepless nights because I was dreaming of the Southern Ocean. It really is an incredible human challenge. What I'm going to experience there will be the most intense thing I've ever done. But I feel very, very safe with the team. We have a lot of experience and are a good mix of sailors.
There are some observers who warn of the risk of injury on the new, even faster Imocas. They are extremely demanding, especially in rough seas. Even putting on oilskins or pouring on dry food harbours risks. Are you afraid of the beasts?
The boats are certainly more physical than ever before. That's why it wasn't easy to put together a crew. One thing is the hardship on the long legs, the other is the risk of getting injured. That was certainly one of the reasons why I was given the chance to sail with them.
I think I'm relatively fearless myself, but not crazy. I am very safety-conscious. And we do a lot of training specifically for that reason. That's one of the most important things for Kevin, that we go into the race in top shape. My Olympic campaign helps me because I have a pretty good basic constitution. We'll see how extreme it actually gets.
What do you think of Kevin Escoffier as a skipper and team leader?
He really is phenomenal. He has sooo much positive energy. For me, he's a totally motivating leader. His workload is enormous, he's incredibly busy, but he always finds time for a joke or to ask how you're doing. He's always the last to leave the team base. Really inspiring!
You only got into ocean racing yourself a year ago. Do you feel like the baby on board among your fellow sailors?
No, not at all. Not to sound arrogant, but none of the others have a silver medal. That's a symbol for a whole range of qualities that are important. You can see that here on board too. Of course I know a lot less about offshore sailing. But I can contribute a few factors - when it comes to staying positive even under high pressure, working long hours, getting to grips with the new boat.
You've been with Holcim - PRB for less than two weeks. Have you already grown into a team?
Yes, it went really quickly. We do fitness together twice a day. Kevin tells stories from the past, everyone cheers each other on, everyone does their best. It feels really good!
And the skipper is always with you?
Not just in it. Kevin always pulls you along, no matter what it's about. Whether here on the base or in the gym. Watching him lead a team, seeing him as an example, is priceless.
You are very present on social media; hardly anyone has such a large number of fans and interactions on Instagram. Was that one of the reasons Kevin chose you?
I don't think so. Anyone who knows Kevin knows that this is less important to him. He was more focussed on other soft skills.
Which ones?
For example, my focus and perseverance. That characterised our first meeting. When I was preparing for the Solitaire du Figaro in Lorient last July, he came past my boat and asked if I knew him and would like to sail on "Holcim - PRB". And of course I wanted to. But I urgently needed to try out my autopilot, so I cancelled.
Then he came round again two minutes later and said: "It's about the Ocean Race, we're still looking for crew." But I stuck to my decision. And I think that impressed him that I wasn't easily dissuaded from my programme - no matter how tempting the opportunity.
We stayed in touch from then on. And that's how I ended up here. It's not just about sailing. It's about so much more: discipline, the willingness to subordinate everything to your goals.
Nevertheless, your appointment to the team came very late in the end. Why was that?
He called me again after the Route du Rhum because he was looking for a co-sailor with all-round skills. We only have four crew members on board, so specialists don't really help. And I fitted the profile.
Are you going to suspend your Figaro campaign for the time being?
Yes, as it looks now, I won't get back on board until May, at least briefly. And then I'll be sailing the most important preparatory regattas and especially the Solitaire du Figaro. My sponsors, especially DB Schenker, really understand how important the Ocean Race and the experience is for me now in terms of my longer-term goals. I'm very lucky in that respect.
Your long-term goal is to take part in the Vendée Globe 2028, but are you worried that your dream might be shattered when you experience the Southern Ocean in all its harshness for the first time?
I've got a lot coming up in the next few months. You can't underestimate that. I'm sure I'll have moments in the Southern Ocean when I think: I want to get out of here. It's the same for everyone (laughs). But I'm also sure that I'll come back to land and want to set off again straight away.
