From Nice to Genoa, for the first time since the start of the event, the Team AMAALA crew was made up of sailors who had already completed at least one leg. This was a great opportunity to feel even better on board, and to measure the progress made since the start.
After an epic leg from Cartagena to Nice, Alan Roura didn't have time to catch his breath. The skipper of Team AMAALA, who arrived on Friday evening only to set sail again late on Sunday, was to have relied on the same crew to reach Genoa on Leg 4. But with Rebecca Gmuer busy with another project, he had to turn the team around once again. He recalled Lucie De Gennes, who had already taken part in the first round between Kiel and Portsmouth at the beginning of August. A change which had no effect on the experience on board. And this is perhaps the best indicator of the fact that, although the Swiss boat is in 7th place in the overall rankings, its linear progression curve continues to impress. “We're feeling better and better on board, and you only have to look at the photos and videos to see that,” says Mathis Bourgnon, who has now completed two legs.
It's true that between storms and calms, if there's one thing that never leaves the faces of skippers and crew alike, it's the broad smiles that speak volumes about the joy of this race like no other. I found my bearings perfectly, despite the rotation," continues the heir to the Bourgnon family. On a personal level, I felt I'd made progress compared with the previous leg. Physically, I managed much better this time, as I had burnt out during the first 24 hours on stage 3. No doubt because I wanted to do too well for my first time! This time, I respected the watches better and my sleep management was better too. As a result, I felt even more at ease with the timings, manoeuvres and decision-making.
Mathis Bourgnon is perfectly in line with the plan put in place by the team. To be better, edge by edge, day by day and step by step. It doesn't matter where you finish on the pontoon, as long as you're satisfied with your collective and individual progress. "The best proof of confidence I received on Leg 4 was when I suggested to Alan, who was really burnt out, that he should go and have a rest, and he accepted, putting me in charge of the boat at the time. It was a really powerful moment.
A watch captain who still counts his IMOCA nights on the fingers of one hand - this is also the essence of the project launched by Alan Roura, Simon Koster and Elodie Mettraux. An offshore school for up-and-coming Swiss sailors, access to the most advanced and demanding professionalism, made possible after a titanic task accomplished in just three months. And seeing how no one ever gives up, even when times get a little tougher, it's easy to see that everyone in the Team is fully aware of how lucky they are to be here. To fight - and too bad if it's not on equal terms - with some of the greatest sailors in ocean racing.
Back on board, Lucie de Gennes was also able to measure the progress made since the memorable start in Kiel. "I've noticed a big step forward on the boat, with more fluidity as far as I'm concerned. Everything is starting to feel more automatic, and that's really nice. Being able to sail with three new partners is a real blessing. We're multiplying our visions, views and exchanges to make even more progress. I felt much more in tune with the weather and routing than I did on Leg 1. Mentally, this fourth leg was more difficult because the weather in the Mediterranean is really complicated and sometimes cruel, when the boat right next to us hits the wind and takes off while we're stuck. We didn't have much success, but after each difficult moment, we managed to re-mobilize and get back in contact.
The final stretch between Genoa and the Straits of Kotor should once again serve as a laboratory to validate what we've learned, and pick up one or two boats like a cherry on top of a cake. Stages 3 and 4 opened up the field of possibilities, with a quality track and judicious choices which enabled Team AMAALA to race at times in contact with faster boats, such as Malizia or Be Water Positive. And when the gaps become a matter of hours or minutes rather than days, the team is on the right track!
Picture © Jean-Louis Carli /TORE 2025