With Mer Agitée, the racing stable he runs, Michel Desjoyeaux looks after two boats in the current IMOCA fleet: SMA and La Mie Câline - Artipôle. The famous Frenchman who is the only sailor ever to win the Vendée Globe twice has his racing career on ice right now and says he does not think a third Vendée Globe would bring him much pleasure.

Alexia Barrier is a study in perpetual motion. At just 1.56m and at 38 years old she is a bundle of non stop energy. And it is that incredible energy and drive which she is harnessing as she sets out on the road to compete in the next Vendée Globe in two and a half years time.