LIFE ON BOARD

A typical day

The days have a distinct rhythm.

During daylight, the idea is to get in as much sailing time on the wishbone. as possible.

Nighttime is an orchestrated drift, sometimes heading off in the wrong direction…

Moreover, on the Indian Ocean, Raphaëla needs to travel as fast as possible. Each window of opportunity has to be exploited to the fullest while keeping risks under control, especially those that creep in under cover of fatigue.

After the wake-up call, a navigation check and telephone link-up (it's night-time in France).

Then, the right sail has to be readied and rigged which takes close to an hour's worth of work.

During the day, the windsurfer alternates an hour and a half to two hours of sailing with 15 minutes on the average of rest, to stretch and eat.

In the evening the sail has to be taken in and stowed for the night, personal needs require attention; there's the telephone transmission with Course HQ (mid-day Paris time) to assure, then a little reading, listening to music, and finally going to sleep.

Raphaëla generally sleeps between 6 and 7 hours a night, but awakens on her own several times to check the horizon.

Nutrition

Raphaëla expends a considerable amount of energy; for that reason, she must take care to have a balanced diet each day.
Her daily nutritional intake is based on 6 to 7 hours of sailing each day, or an energy requirement of 3,300 Kcal/day, broken down as follows:
- breakfast 890 Kcal
- lunch 700 Kcal
- dinner 750 Kcal
- 2 to 3 snacks providing another 950 Kcal

In practice, that is the schedule for a typical day.

Energy is supplied by complex carbohydrates found in dishes with pasta, rice, and potatoes, and by simple carbohydrates found in sweets and olive oil. The most interesting energy comes from complex carbohydrates which are consumed slowly and provide energy for long exertions.
Hydration is also very important. We know that we need 1 ml (0.03 ounces) of water per Kcal of food that we eat. But we lose water through perspiration, especially when it's hot. So, we need to drink a lot to compensate, if not the body is exposed to such problems as fatigue, an overall drop in performance, and tendonitis.
Raphaëla's diet has been developed and is monitored by Dr. Hélène Chevreuil who has followed the sailboarder for several years.

Leisure

Raphaëla's days are carefully programmed and well-filled; but she allows herself some time for relaxation, especially in the evening just before going to sleep. Despite space limitations on board, her baggage includes some books she has brought along, and of course some music, essential for relaxation…

No two days are alike

The days follow, one after the other, but no two days are alike…
A day without wind doesn't go as quickly as one in full sail. Calm days are spent on equipment maintenance and repair, or even – if the urge is felt – giving the hull a good scrubbing.