My little François,
Congratulations! What a performance, you’ve impressed us all, we’re in awe. What you di dis simply incredible. First, because you’re the first of the rookies. If I’m not mistaken, the second rookie is Javier Sanso, and he is fifteen days behind you.
Congratulations to you and to your team too. We, of all people, know what team work is. You did great and you surrounded yourself with Michel Desjoyeaux’s team and with Mer Agitée. It was your decision and I approve of it, I think it was the right one.
I think you’ll help the French Sailing Federation save money because we won’t need to have a cocktail party with a jury to decide who the yachtsman of the year is. Because when you hold the 24-hour distance record, when you’re the first rookie in the Vendée Globe, when you’ve sailed around the world in less than 80 days, there’s not much that can be said, except, of course, good job! It’s just beautiful, I’m in awe.
There is no great winner without a great second, that’s what I always say. So if you hadn’t had Armel with you, you wouldn’t have achieved what you achieved. So congratulations to Armel, too, he is part of that performance, too, but not of the victory. We all know a performance like yours can only be achieved if someone else is pushing you.
Congratulations François, congratulations Armel and… See you soon.
