Like we all know, specifically in France, this summer is a sporting one with the launching of Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The most important and sports event of the World, gathering on July 26th thousands of sportsmen and women, coaches, and supporters. So, we have thought, that communicate this sport spirit all along the summer, to the workers and holidaymakers will be such a pleasant idea.
Let’s start officially with this blog articles series: "Abyss Ingredients at the heart of sport" dedicated to sport practice of our athletes, but also our Abyss team… Stay tuned!
Portrait of the day: Romain Attanasio
Romain Attanasio is an experienced professional skipper for over 20 years. Contrary to what you might think, Romain hasn't always had this attachment to the sea, as he is originally from the mountains.
Pursuing his dream of becoming one of the greats of the sailing world, his destiny changed in 2016 when he found himself qualified for the legendary Vendée Globe 💪.
Romain is the adventurer, the daredevil who isn't afraid of a challenge and who pursues his dreams against all odds. |  Credit Polaryse - Yann Riou |
We are very proud to sponsors him in his sporting career and to share a small extract with you in this interview.
What values does sport pass on to you?
« In reality, I'd say that ocean racing transmits to all skippers the values of perseverance and surpassing oneself, pushing oneself to really believe in one's abilities and to give it one's all to achieve these goals.
Every day, you have to challenge yourself, both at sea and on land, to improve your performance. I also think that humility is essential in practice: you have to remain humble on these boats because you must never forget that the sea is always more powerful than you are.
But in all honesty, I'd say that the fundamental value that is passed in ocean racing is really helping each other. We mustn't forget that we are all competitors. But the minute a skipper needs help, the race stops and we're ready to do anything possible to help him. And I sincerely believe that this is the most important value because it is the most human. »
Credit - Arcosoon
Can you tell us about a success you're proud of, but also about a failure and what you learned from it?
« My greatest achievement, I think, is to have crossed the finish line of my two Vendée Globe races. The two trophies that hang in my living room are the two most important objects in my life; seeing them reminds me of the values that this sport transmits to me, but also why I love doing it so much.
Of all the failures I've experienced, it's all the breakages that occurred during my two Vendée Globe races that I remember most. When you break down, each time you tell yourself that the race is over, that you won't be able to set sail again, even though there's still over a month of racing to go, and even several oceans to cross.
But in the end, if I sit back for two minutes and take the time to analyse what's happening, I can always find a solution. You just have to think step by step and set yourself small goals. If you only see the final goal, in this case arriving in “Les Sables d'Olonne”, it seems too far away and impossible to achieve...
So, it's again from here, I think, that we really see the importance of persevering, of not stopping at a difficulty. And I honestly think that setting goals one step at a time allows you to move forward more serenely and sometimes even faster than if you only look at the finish, which seems more than inaccessible. »
What is your most striking memory of a race?
"It's something that has given me some absolutely fabulous memories, you see things and meet exceptional people. But if I had to name just one, I think I'd say the two roundings of Cape Horn during the two Vendée Globe races I did.
In fact, when you go around the world, Cape Horn is really seen as a symbol of liberation. It signifies a major milestone which is really akin to the idea of: I'm free, I've managed to cross the Deep South and I'm starting to make my way home. I love my experiences at sea of course, but coming home represents an achievement and a bit of that right to breathe in a different way than on the sea."
Credit - Team Fortinet - Best Western
What are the next goals after the Vendée Globe?
“That's something I must admit I can't really say, as we won't know until we're back in Les Sables d'Olonne! The arrival of the Vendée Globe will, I think, mark the end of a 4-year cycle, and of course, I hope the start of a new one’.”
When do you understand that your career had taken a turn?
« So, I think it was when Denis Horeau, who is the Race Director for the 2016 Vendée Globe, confirmed my qualification for the race with this sentence that I haven't forgotten and which I think will be engraved in my memory forever: ‘You'll see, you're entering another world, your life is going to change’. After that, I think my outlook changed and everything gradually accelerated. »
Did you always want to sail, or did you have other career ambitions when you were younger?
« So, no, to tell the truth it's not an answer that's going to take very long, because in fact it's not a question that I've asked myself too many times, so much so that I aspired in some way to sail. In any case, it's what I've always wanted to do, it represents me, and for all the memories I've been able to draw from it, I don't regret taking another path. »
What advice would you give to sportspeople who want to take part in top-level competitions?
 Credit Arcosoon | « I think I'd say to anyone what I've always said to myself: ‘If you want to do it, give yourself every possible chance and do it’. As I was able to do.
I think it's a question of ambition, in the sense that I had nothing to do with the ocean or ocean racing. For the record, I was born and grew up in the mountains, without any links or ties to the sea. And to tell you the truth, at first everyone thought it was a joke when I said I wanted to sail. |
So, I'd say go for it, if you give yourself the means it should work, at least you'll have tried. »
Do you take food supplements as part of your sporting activities?
« Of course, and I find that it's really effective for feeling benefits all over the place.
I take several supplements such as: magnesium, turmeric, royal jelly and spirulina. »
A word for Abyss?
« Abyss joined the adventure in 2016, for my first Vendée Globe. They were among the pioneering partners with whom I founded my “Sixième Océan” business club. They are the ones who gave me foot in the door and enabled me to realise my dream as a sailor: to race around the world single-handed. I'm proud and happy to count Abyss among my partners and to be embarking on a third Vendée Globe alongside them! »
Thanks Romain for your sharing!
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