Figaro veteran Nils Palmieri joins fellow Swiss Oliver Heer for Défi Azimut Crusing Problem
by Oliver Heer Ocean Racing 17 Sep 18:23 BST
19 September 2023
Nils Palmieri joins crew Oliver Heer Ocean Racing for the 2023 IMOCA Sequence © Oliver Heer Ocean Racing
Figaro veteran Nils Palmieri joins fellow Swiss sailor Oliver Heer for Défi Azimut Crusing Problem. Oliver Heer, the newest offshore Swiss sailor to tackle the IMOCA circuit as preparation for the Vendee Globe, will probably be joined by fellow Swiss sailor Nils Palmieri for the Défi Azimut.
Nils is an especially skilled offshore sailor. He joins Ollie simply days after ending the 54th Version of one other extraordinarily difficult solo offshore race; La Solitaire du Figaro. He claimed a formidable 2nd place within the first leg, however a irritating wind shut-down noticed him pushed down the ends in the second leg and he was unable to beat his results of sixth general final yr.
Nils gained the Double-Handed Transat in 2021 and beforehand claimed fifth place within the Transat Jacque Vabres with Bertrand Delesne on his Class40. Based mostly in Brittany, France, the Défi Azimut is a singular occasion within the IMOCA globe collection and the construct as much as the Vendee Globe race subsequent yr, providing a mix of pace runs, a 48 hour offshore race and a coastal race across the Isle D’Groix. All through these three occasions of the Défi Azimut, Nils will probably be mentoring Ollie and sharing a few of his experience and expertise in addition to strengthening their partnership forward of the doublehanded TJV race in October.
Ollie competed within the Défi Azimut final yr and was delighted to assert the accolade of the quickest non-foiling IMOCA within the pace runs and third general within the Tour De Groix race after main a lot of the method. For Ollie, this race represents the primary flip of the wheel, he laughs “It’s good to be going to an occasion I’ve competed in earlier than. Though it does not assure something, I’ve a greater concept of what to anticipate and a earlier end result to beat! Plus having Nils on board goes to be implausible. He’s an exceptionally proficient sailor and I’m seeking to study from him as a lot as attainable over the approaching weeks.”
What are you most wanting ahead to Ollie?
“Effectively for me it must be the chance to be crusing with Nils. I’ve revered him for such a very long time, and he has been extremely profitable in each single and double-handed crusing so I do know there will probably be tons I can study from him.”
Which of the three components of the Défi Azimut do you get pleasure from essentially the most?
“One of many issues which is so interesting in regards to the Défi Azimut is the number of racing types lined, so the combination of racing fashion itself is the most effective bit. Though final yr, I’ve to confess, though nerve racking, I immensely loved the pace runs because it was the primary time I went face to face in opposition to the IMOCA’s on a 1 mile course, and I used to be the quickest non-foiling IMOCA! This yr, naturally I will probably be aiming to retain that place, which additionally provides a bit little bit of stress on me.”
How are you feeling about your boat and your individual preparation?
“I’m delighted to say that the boat is in glorious form. The Rolex Fastnet Race simply six weeks in the past was very windy and people punishing circumstances supplied a terrific alternative to check the boat, and she or he stood as much as the problem very effectively. I’m actually grateful to have such a robust technical crew supporting me. I’m working exhausting to enhance my bodily situation, however admit, it isn’t fairly the place I’ll need it to be forward of the Vendee Globe, however for now I’m extra focussed on working with my psychological efficiency coach, Dr Wolfgang Jenwein, to construct my psychological resilience and put together myself for solo crusing.”
Nils Palmieri provides, “I’m thrilled to affix forces with the Swiss crew Oliver Heer Ocean Racing and be a part of a crew that shares my ardour for offshore crusing. I am wanting ahead to racing on the IMOCA, contributing my expertise and dealing carefully with the crew to attain outstanding feats on the open waters.”
The Défi Azimut begins in Lorient on Tuesday nineteenth September 2023, with a report 36 IMOCA entrants anticipated to compete.
