More than just talent

Franck Cammas has won a large number of important sailing races including the Solitaire du Figaro, the Transat Jacques Vabre, the Jules Verne Trophy, the Route du Rhum and the Volvo Ocean Race. His victories demonstrate an unquestionable mastery of sailing, but they also prompt the question asked of all great artists : is talent enough, or is there something more to winning that just talent ? Sailing races involve teams (some at sea, others on land), require carefully orchestrated preparation, and create very different configurations. Mastery of navigation must be coupled with the capacity to understand and handle very different race contexts, ranging from single-handed, double handed and team races, to non-stop races and ones with stopovers. This entails highly developed managerial skills regarding project management, recruitment, team composition and team management during the race. Apart from talent, what is the secret behind Franck Cammas’ performances ?