Rob Bunce Interview: Solitaire Du Figaro
IX Magazine interviewed the impressive Rob Bunce, a 2015 Artemis Offshore Academy Rookie, after sailing with him for the day in The Solitaire Du Figaro.
Age: 21
Hometown: Warminster, Wiltshire
Boat name: Artemis 37
Title sponsor: Artemis Offshore Academy
Number of Solitaire du Figaros: 1
(35th overall, 10th Rookie, 2015)
How did you first get into sailing and where?
I got into sailing through my Grandfather and father at the age of four. My first experience of sailing alone was at a small inland lake near Lymington on the South Coast of England.
What is it about sailing that you love?
I love the variety in sailing. The fact that there are so many different types and forms mean that it can be enjoyed by so many. Also the purity of it entices me. The fact that it is all powered by nature, it is a very sustainable sport in a simple sense.
How did you get involved in the Solitaire Du Figaro?
I got involved with the Solitaire Du Figaro by being one of the lucky few to be selected for the Artemis Offshore Academy. I spent a year in the squad and was selected to do the race first time round.
What makes this race so special?
It is known as the unofficial championships of offshore sailing. For many it is the pinnacle of the sailing world. So many great names are still involved; handfuls of the world’s most accomplished sailors have competed over the years. Still to this day it is one of the most competitive sailing fleets in the world.
What unique challenges does this race present over other sailing events?
Firstly it is solo so you only have yourself to rely on. There is no outside assistance with weather or course help like there is in other offshore sailing races. The length of the legs means you spend the best part of a month managing extreme levels of fatigue.
Can you tell us about the boats used in the race?
The boats used are 33 feet long Bénéteau Figaro IIs. Just 100 were built solely for the race. They are specifically designed for solo or short handed offshore racing. With a strong structure and a deck layout made for one or two people there is no better boat for the purpose.
How do you cope with the lack of sleep during the race?
Being tired during the race is just a fact of life. The race is won or lost with how you manage it. Personally this is probably what I found hardest about the race. For me making sure I nailed the simple things like eating well and resting when possible is the only way to counter the lack of sleep. Dealing with it fully though takes years of practice.
I try and sail to my strengths for example I know I am excellent close quarters, starting and high-pressure manoeuvres play into my staple skills. It’s all about pushing hard at the right time I have always felt fast downwind in light to moderate conditions so when it is like this I will push extra hard.
I tend to sail on feel more than with data on the screen. If the boat feels good then the numbers will come and the speeds the boat should be doing will be achieved.
Could you share some of your favourite race moments?
Before the race even began, the parade of sail up the river to Bordeaux was incredibly special. The amount of people there cheering your name was overwhelming. The atmosphere was fantastic.
During the first leg we had an amazing sail around Cape Finnistere with the sun setting over the mountains and the boat with the spinnaker up at maximum attack in 30 knots of wind.
My other favourite moment was coming along the English Coast on Leg 3 and finishing with my best result into Torquay. All my friends and family there to greet me at the finish, it was a moment to be remembered.
Who are your sailing heroes/mentors and why?
I have looked up to Sir Ben Ainslie since I was five years old. I admire how he has dominated in some many different disciplines of the sport.
I also idolise French skipper Alain Gautier (Vendée Globe winner) for his modesty and love of the sport. He continues to excel in all types of sailing with no hesitance in giving advice and help to others alongside him whether they are teammates or competitors.
What other sailing challenges would you like to compete in?
I would like to move into the area of the sport that is developing the most. The multihulls of all shapes and sizes are really changing sailing and I want to be a part of it. As far a specific races go my overall goal in life is to sail in the Americas Cup. On route to this hopefully the GC 32 circuit and some offshore multihull sailing.
Name some of your favourite place to sail in the world.
Helsinki, Oslo and of course the Solent!
What plans do you have for the near future?
I have recently just delivered the Donfeng Volvo 65 to Gothenberg, I have some high latitude sailing on the cards in the coming weeks and possibly some Extreme 40 sailing after that.
International eXcellence recommends this chap as definitely one to watch, a future sailing legend in the making.
