With the Transat Jacques Vabre coming to an end, we managed to catch up with Servane Escoffier on her race experience.

What did you enjoy the most? My favourite part is the first part of the race. We went fast, very fast!! And we were well ranked, which was so stimulating! But then, there was the doldrums... I also have a wonderful memory of our arrival in Salvador de Bahia! To go back there 12 years later... It was great to be there at night with the lights in the bay, it was really beautiful!

What challenges did you face? Big challenges for me! The first one, as a woman and as a mother, it was to leave my two kids for few weeks. It has been a bit complicated, but now we are back home, we are really happy all back together. And the other one, as a sailor, was to come back into the competition! My last Transat was in 2010. I needed to prove myself that I could still race.

Which bit of kit did you wear the most and how did it help you? The best thing you have even done!! The new one you sent us just before the start. It is not yet available, but it has to be! This is a real lethal weapon! Super light and it dries quickly! It also serves as a pillow when it's time for our shift. - Make sure you keep look out for the launch of this new product!

How did you and Louis work as a team? We do not behave like a couple, but like a crew! As a duo engaged on the Transat Jacques Vabre! Each turn, mapping, weather, quarter... But with a little advantage, which is our strength: we know each other in good times, as the least good! What’s the next sailing event will you compete in? For now I am focused on my role as team manager as the BE Racing team, which brings together our two main projects on the Route du Rhum: Louis Burton on Bureau Vallée 2 and the Youth project in Class40!

Would you like your children are older, would you like them to compete with you in a future sailing event? I wish they would do what they love. And I will always support them in their choice. If it's sailing, it would be much better. I better understand this than the rules of football! (laughs)