Éric Pilato’s Final Miles: Safety First and Setting Course for Guadeloupe

After three weeks at sea, Éric Pilato has reached a symbolic milestone in his crossing. On October 24, aboard his Excess 11, Skiboo 2, he was halfway between La Palma in the Canary Islands and Pointe de la Grande Vigie, in northern Guadeloupe, with approximately 1,250 nautical miles remaining on either side. Since leaving La Rochelle, he had already covered more than 3,000 nautical miles and spent over 500 hours at sea.

As he approaches his destination, he has shared an essential aspect of his preparations: the equipment he relies on to deal with an emergency on his own. His safety gear includes an inflatable life jacket fitted with a MOB1 beacon, which transmits an AIS alert to nearby vessels. However, traffic is sparse in the middle of the Atlantic. Éric explains that he has encountered only two boats in around ten days, highlighting a practical limitation of a system that relies on another vessel being within range.

To alert rescue services via satellite and communicate with them, he has also opted for a Garmin inReach. Its SOS button transmits the device's location and triggers a rescue procedure. The ability to exchange messages is another key advantage in his eyes: should he need to abandon ship and take to the life raft, he would be able to provide further details about his situation, particularly his medical condition. Éric chose this device over a PLB; this reflects his own personal safety setup and should not be considered a general recommendation.

His preparations also include simple pieces of equipment, kept within easy reach and ready for use: a headlamp for moving around at night, a powerful flashlight to check the area around the boat, and an accessible knife to cut a rope if necessary. “I'm quite happy with the equipment I've chosen. It's easy to use,” he explains.

Éric has also taken medical risks into account. Having already received first-aid training as part of his professional activities, he completed a medical training course specifically designed for offshore sailing with Medi-Distance Santé. On board, his medical supplies are carefully organised and include medication, dressings, suturing equipment, a blood pressure monitor and a pulse oximeter. If needed, he can seek medical advice remotely, notably from the Maritime Medical Consultation Centre in Toulouse.

As Skiboo 2 approaches the Caribbean, tropical temperatures are setting in and sargassum seaweed is becoming increasingly visible. It has not yet formed large patches, but instead appears in long, drifting strands that streak the blue water. Éric finds the sight magnificent from out at sea, while also being mindful of the damage these algae can cause on the islands.

The start of the Route du Rhum has given his own crossing a special significance. Éric is following the race with admiration and knows that the competitors are now making their way across the Atlantic behind him. His challenge is not the same as that of the skippers taking part in the competition, but he recognises its very essence: “one sailor, one boat, the ocean”. He still hopes to reach Guadeloupe before the first competitors arrive.

Skiboo 2 is expected to arrive later this week. Following the crossing, the Excess team hopes to meet up with Éric at an upcoming boat show or an Excess Talk, where he can share his experience with the brand's owners and enthusiasts.