Sam Matson Interview: La Solitaire Du Figaro

International eXcellence Magazine interviewed Sam Matson, an Artemis Offshore Academy Alumni, who is making waves in the sailing community with his talent.
Age: 24
Hometown: Ottery St Mary, Exmouth
Boat name: Chatham
Title sponsor: Chatham
Number of Solitaire du Figaros: 2
(15th overall, 2nd Rookie 2014/13th overall 2015)
How did you first get into sailing and where?
I can’t remember a time I haven't been sailing. My dad used to take me sailing with him from Lyme Regis in our small dinghy. By aged eight I began racing from my home sailing club Exe SC, and from then on I have always been competitively racing.
What is it about sailing that you love?
sailing isn't just a competition to me; it’s an adventure and personal challenge, against the elements. With every sail being so different, there are new challenges faced with every outing.
How did you get involved in the Solitaire Du Figaro?
I began short-handed racing at the age of 18. My ambition was to forge a career in solo sailing and ultimately compete in the Vendée Globe. The Solitaire du Figaro is the perfect starting point and training ground for me to achieve this goal. With the support of the Artemis Offshore Academy, competing on the highly competitive Classe Figaro Bénéteau circuit became possible, providing me with access to boats and a full time training program.
What makes this race so special?
When competing in the Solitaire you are up against some of the best solo sailors in the world. The highest levels of ability and skill are required; you are tested both physically and mentally for the entire regatta.
What unique challenges does this race present over other sailing events?
Aside from the intensity of the racing, the Solitaire comes with psychological battles like sleep deprivation and dealing with a roller coaster of emotions from start to finish.
Can you tell us about the boats used in the race?
The Classe Figaro Bénéteau II is a strict one-design class with every aspect of the design covered by the rules. With every boat, a 33ft keelboat called a Figaro Bénéteau II, being identical, in the end it all comes down to the skill of the Skipper as to who comes out on top.
How do you cope with the lack of sleep during the race?
Sleep deprivation is an inevitable effect of solo offshore racing. For me personally, I have spent a lot of time studying the effects of deprivation and possible preventative methods. Getting to know your own sleep patterns and requirements is a big part of coping with the lack of sleep.
Could you share some of your favourite race moments?
The end of every race is a special moment. One of my most memorable moments is crossing the finish line of my first ever Solitaire leg in my local port of Plymouth as first rookie and first British sailor.
Who are your sailing heroes/mentors and why?
I have huge respect for the pioneers of solo ocean racing. The likes of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston pushed the boundaries on the adventure side of the sport, paving the way for new races and competition.
What other sailing challenges would you like to compete in?
From a young age I have always aspired to compete in the Vendée Globe, for me, this is the pinnacle of ocean racing!
Name some of your favourite place to sail in the world.
From a technical perspective, Northern Brittany and Southern England have to be some of my favourite places to sail. The wind is up and the seas are rough. It’s fast and furious.
What plans do you have for the near future?
I’ve just finished my final event of the season,  the Generali Solo Mediterranée. This race is over 700 miles offshore with 11 inshore races between legs – like a mini Solitaire. I finished the race 11th overall which put me 13th in the French offshore championships. There are three races which count towards the championships, and all who compete in the Figaro are automatically entered. I was striving for top 10, but in against the world class competing, 13th is a rank I can be proud of.
I’m currently in Barcelona, the final stop for the race. When I return to the UK I will be aiming to develop new partnerships and sponsors for the 2016 Figaro season, with the ambition of developing my campaign into bigger races for the 2016/17 seasons.
International eXcellence will also be keeping an eye on this new young talent as he forges a great career in sailing.