We are proud to support Louis Burton and Servane Escoffier in this years Transat Jacques Vabre. This challenging race is 4,350 miles from Le Harve, France to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, and will present the most extreme weather conditions – from severe storms to the equatorial heat as well as the overall psychological demands of ocean racing. We caught up with them before they took on this epic challenge.

How important is it to you both to be wearing technical clothing that you can rely on?

For us, the quality of technical equipment is fundamental, and offshore racing is a sport that requires a lot of effort in conditions that are often very changeable. It is essential to be not only comfortable but also dry in most cases. Our clothes participate fully in the performance whilst on the boat.

How excited are you both about racing in the TJV on board the new Bureau Valleé 2?

We are both very eager to fight, but also very focused before cutting the starting line. This Transat Jacques Vabre is, for us, the first full-scale test on Bureau Vallée 2, even if we have multiplied the training these last few months, nothing replaces the competition and all the experience that can be gained.

Are there any particular elements of the race that either of you are particularly nervous about?

To be on the water is second nature, it's our element, it feels good. Whatever the conditions, it's the rule of the game. The fear, like all other skippers, is a mechanical breakage, a misplaced fishing trap or anything else that could slow us down and challenge our race. The weather forecast and the routing choices are perhaps the only point of nervousness before departure.

Does your mind set change when you are sailing with a loved one in such demanding conditions?

Not on the contrary, we know each other very well and we are very complementary on the water. Louis is an ardent striker by nature and in all conditions, he never gives up. Servane, as an experienced racer is use to anticipating any problems. She will be a precious sentinel on Bureau Vallée 2 for the whole race.

Have you both prepared psychologically for the race?

Yes we have, but not the same way! After several transatlantic and two Vendée Globe including a loop in 7th position, Louis is no longer the little Parisian of 2012. In all circumstances before departure, it retains its legendary serenity and natural phlegm. Servane needs moments of concentration, calm and reflection.

Will you speak with your children during the race and how hard will it be to not see them?

In recent years, Team Manager of the Vallée Bureau project, Servane, was left on the ground with the two children whilst Louis was racing. Today, leaving our 2 young children for a little more than ten days, it is undoubtedly the most difficult challenge for us, even if our family remains very present alongside Lino and Edith. We couldn’t do without Pascale, the nanny that Servane reassured, qualifies as brilliant.

Do either or both of you have any lucky charms or have quirky things that you do before each race to bring you good fortune?

Beyond the blessing of Bureau Vallée 2, which took place in Saint-Malo two weeks before the departure and in front of more than 200 people, a strong tradition exists for the Saint-Malo couple, the dinner with family and in the company of close friends. An inescapable moment of intimacy and shared joy, before the big jump.

Do you have a game plan?

It's a professional secret for the entire fleet from the Transat Jacques Vabre. But tell you that the goal is to go immediately very quickly, without much damage, this is our answer!

Who is in charge on the boat?

In doubles each pilot and sleeps in turn. The quarters are usually organized according to a pre-established plan. It's easier than sailing alone, since a skipper is always in charge.