After the west-northwest detour imposed by the weather, Éric Pilato and Skiboo 2 have now begun their run south toward Cape Finisterre. And this fourth day has started at a brisk pace: the night was lively, with plenty of wind, allowing the Excess 11 to make its way south considerably faster than expected.
Published 08/10/2026
“I think I’m going to beat my 24-hour record,” says a delighted Éric. Skiboo 2 has recorded speeds of more than 10 knots, even approaching 11 knots. A good pace for the Excess 11, which is still benefiting from favorable winds.
Éric has now altered course further west-southwest in order to cross the shipping lanes as soon as possible. The main idea is to make this crossing in broad daylight rather than at night. It will also make it easier to keep an eye out for the skipper’s famous “black-and-white beasts” – orcas, of course.
On this new heading, the swell of around 6'7" (2 m) is now coming from the side and the Excess is rolling a little, but Éric says he is perfectly comfortable on board.
The skipper also discusses another essential aspect of solo sailing: sleep. He tries to sleep for around two hours at a time, then takes several naps throughout the day. “You become very opportunistic: whenever you can go to sleep, you go to sleep.” Conversely, approaching an area with heavy cargo traffic can force him to stay awake for much longer.
The skipper has been using this polyphasic sleep pattern for a long time. For now, the method is working: he feels he has not accumulated too much sleep debt and is managing to recover regularly.
After the extra miles sailed to avoid the low-pressure system, Skiboo 2 can finally set a proper course south, perhaps with a new personal 24-hour record along the way.
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