There are now just 2 weeks to go to the start of the Vendée Globe race and Ollie shares his thoughts.
Q - How are you feeling, Ollie?
"The tension and excitement is definitely building! There are tens of thousands of visitors to the race village every day which creates at atmosphere and sense of occasion. Me personally, I am feeling the tension too. I have to be honest, I am starting to feel a little nervous now, I feel restless."
Q - Do you feel ready?
"For the last two-and-half years we have been working towards this moment; the guys have worked so hard on the boat – with refits and upgrades and repairs. The boat has never looked or felt better and I am really confident in my boat.
I have also worked hard to prepare myself, especially with the help of my mental coach Wolfgang Jenewein, so yes I do feel prepared. But still, I know it is a massive challenge which lies ahead."
Q - Just how massive is this challenge?
"Over 500 people have been in to space, but only just over 100 have ever finished this race!
For the past few years the goal has been to get to the start line – and that has been an incredible challenge itself. Finding the funding, technical support, completing all the pre-requisites and building a reliable team.
Suddenly, we’re here and the goal posts have now moved. It is now about finishing the race. In fact, only just over half of those who start, make it to the finish. So I know it will not be an easy couple of months ahead. But as I always say, ‘if it were easy, everyone would do it’."
Q - What are you doing to stay calm in these final two weeks?
"I had to present a keynote in Zurich the past few days so I managed to find time to catch up with my mum and closest family, which was great. Now my wife, my dog and I are taking a mini vacation. Being with my family and doing normal things, makes me feel normal and helps me to stay calm.
Next week, there are a huge amount of media obligations and sponsor commitments, so I know it will be very busy. So it is important to me to create and enjoy these little moments of calm."
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