Raymarine Ambassador Giancarlo Pedote embarks on the Route Du Rhum in preparation for his second Vendée Globe

Travelling the south in extreme latitudes, guided by Raymarine

Giancarlo Pedote, the accomplished offshore racing sailor from Florence in Italy is set to take on the Route Du Rhum, in preparation for one of the toughest races in the world, the Vendée Globe.

Beginning his professional career in 2007 in the Mini 6.50 class, he took part in the Champion de France Promotion Course au Large en Solitaire and came in first position on two occasions in the Mini 6.50 ranking. He was awarded Italian Sailor of the Year 2013 and 2015 and won the Transat Jacques Vabre in Multi 50 in 2015.

In 2020, he fulfilled his dream by participating in his first Vendee Globe, and was the only Italian taking part in the ninth edition, finishing in eighth place. This year, he has already completed a number of solo races including the Guyader Bermudes, and Defi Azimut, as part of his demanding race schedule ahead of the ultimate race, the Vendée Globe. “The route of the Vendée Globe is mythical, which includes travelling the world through the south, facing the difficulties typical of these extreme latitudes. I am working to sail the world’s oceans again with more experience and competitiveness, and to tell a new story.” said Giancarlo.

Onboard his Imoca 60, named Prysmian, Giancarlo has an array of electronics for high performance sailing. “Those who participate in the Vendée Globe know that the path is dangerous, and that there are many components at stake: meteorology, physical and mental endurance and the ability to face the unexpected. Having a system on board that is reliable in such demanding and changeable conditions is crucial in any single-handed sailing. I chose to work with Raymarine as every day the brand pushes its limits to always find the best solution.”

The system on board includes the Raymarine Quantum 2 Radar, with Doppler collision avoidance technology, this CHIRP pulse compression radar provides superior target awareness at both long and extremely short ranges. Using advanced Doppler processing, the system instantly highlights moving radar contacts and colour codes them to indicate whether they are inbound or outbound. Quantum with Doppler makes it easy to discern potentially dangerous targets when navigating in high-traffic areas, which is of paramount importance for safety. Also on board is the AIS700, this Class B AIS transceiver, not only receives broadcasts from other vessels, it also transmits your own boat’s information, helping you to be seen on other vessels’ systems, providing enhanced situational awareness. At the helm is the Axiom 9” display and i70 multifunctional instrument, the large 4” screen gives superb visibility and enables you to see AIS targets as well as other key data. Prysmian is also fitted with three CAM210 IP Marine Cameras, working in High Definition, Giancarlo uses the two cameras fitted on the deck (port and starboard side) to be able to monitor the main sail without be forced to go outside, which is especially important in the Big South, where the outside temperature is very low and the sea conditions are extremely tough. The camera fitted to the mast enables him to monitor the headsail, even during the night due to the IR LEDs.

Carlo Baj, Country Manager, Raymarine Italy, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting Giancarlo as he prepares to take on the Everest of the sea that is the Vendée Globe, with a demanding race schedule in such tough conditions, providing an electronics system that is reliable and offers enhanced safety solutions is vital for short-handed sailing.”