Didac Costa Interview

In 2016, Dídac Costa became the second Spanish in history to complete the greatest challenge of ocean navigation in the world. He crossed the finish line with his sailboat ‘One Planet One Ocean’ reaching its final destination at Sables d’Olonne harbour (France).

From Ausmar we follow the day to day of his deed and we are very grateful that he trusted our Duarry Compact liferaft in one of the most dangerous journeys that exist. While working on his upcoming projects and regattas we have had the pleasure of having a brief discussion with him. Here we leave some of the most interesting points.

Without big sponsors and through a crowdfunding campaign you managed to make your dream as a child come true: participate and finish the Vendée Globe. 

Do you have any new challenge to conquer?

Once the last Vendée Globe was over, the goal is to participate again in the 2020 edition with a good preparation and training. The Vendée Globe is a sports competition, and although it has a lot of adventure, when you decide to participate you do it because you want to cross the finish line competing at the highest level. In the past edition it was not possible and this left me a bad feeling. 

During the VG2016, we weren’t able to work on the communication with a focus on the visibility of the project before and after the race. For the sponsors, this part can be very profitable. We put all the focus on being part of the race and crossing the finish line, without doubt, we would like to improve this part. In disciplines like these, where you depend on the sponsor, this aspect is fundamental.

Being a firefighter, you understand that prevention and proper equipment are fundamental parts of any journey.

Do you see any factor in your life as a firefighter that you have applied to the navigation and security?

There may be some factors yes. I suppose that like in many other professions your knowledge can be applied. In my case I imagine that in front of some situations I know my limits and I know how to act in a more effective way. I suppose that when you have worked in the emergencies field you already have a base. There is also the fact of being a firefighter and being part of a team work, although the regatta is solo you work and coordinate with many people in the daily base. 

The Vendée Globe put your physical and mental endurance to the test. Throughout navigation you suffered very critical moments.

Which aspects would you say were important to do not quit?

No doubt one of the aspects was the motivation of finishing the race. During the training and the race itself, always knowing what your limitations are, you have to be willing to give the maximum of yourself. You have a goal and everything you do or think turns around this. Anyway, it is not something that you show because you already have it more than accepted. This mindset doesnt appear after crossing the finish line, you must have it before that, from day one. In my case it was a year and a half before.

Recalling your feat sailing with the «One Planet One Ocean»

At the security level do you think to incorporate new technical elements in the next regattas?

The security elements that are carried in the Imoca, as in other classes, are given by the regulation of the class itself which is either dictated or is subject to the International Sailing Federation. Due to the characteristics of a regatta around the world, safety takes on an even more important or specific dimension than in other regattas and it is an aspect that is prepared very meticously, trying to foresee all the situations in which you can find . Technical elements beyond those required by the organization I have not carried, but I believe that we carry all the elements that may be important for security. As new elements or new features appear they are studied by the class to be included in the regulations.

What are your medium and long-term plans? Do you have in your agenda to participate in the next edition of the Vendée Globe 2020?

Since the completion of Vg16 I have been sailing as much as I could in different boats and classes, always prioritizing regattas with little crew. I am also collaborating with the minitransat project for the 2019 edition of Pep Costa. I am very involved in the preparation and I have also participated in some regattas of the circuit. All this is something that I would like to continue working on with the idea of ​​starting a new project for the VG of 2020.

Thank you very much Dídac for your time and collaboration. From Ausmar we believe in your great quality as an athlete and navigator.

We leave the direct link to the RRSS of Didac so you can follow his daily posts.