Nicolas Manthos

Cheekytatoo

Boat Type

Class 40

Designer

Simon Rogers and Tanguy Delamotte 

Builder

CMI

LOA

40ft

LWL

26ft

Beam

4.5ft

Draft

Sailing Boat Since:

I think the most important thing is to get as many miles as possible on the boat before completing a major refit to get it into perfect shape! The right funding is essential to do this, and finding it might be the toughest part.

I can’t wait to be all alone in the Southern Ocean, riding huge waves. I’m also looking forward to the many technical challenges this race will throw at me—and, hopefully, the incredible feeling of overcoming them.

I love adventures, and I think the World STAR—a singlehanded, nonstop circumnavigation—is one of the last true adventures we can experience.

First, Wilfried Erdmann—a legendary German solo sailor who completed three solo, nonstop circumnavigations. He was my inspiration for getting into sailing. My second guest would be someone like Boris Herrmann, Sam Goodchild, or Conrad Colman—sailors who’ve taken on the world in a Class40 and now compete in the IMOCA Class. Their experiences and insights would be invaluable for someone preparing for the World STAR.

I definitely won’t miss the everyday tasks of normal life, like doing taxes! What I’ll miss most is a comfortable bed, a hot shower, and a good meal—and, of course, my girlfriend.

In my last career, I was a paragliding instructor and went on expeditions around the world. I flew up to 6,500 meters in the Himalayas and crossed the length of New Zealand by paraglider and on foot.

I think the most important thing is to get as many miles as possible on the boat before completing a major refit to get it into perfect shape! The right funding is essential to do this, and finding it might be the toughest part.

In sailing, my biggest achievement was crossing the Atlantic twice singlehanded on my 1970 Hurley 18. I´m also quit proud of 12 years of flying and basejumping adventures without any injuries.

Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf

I don’t really know any good ones… I’m not exactly a comedian

what would you say to someone to encourage them to take up sailing?

Sailing is more than a sport; It teaches you patience, problem-solving, and how to adapt to whatever nature throws your way. Every day on the water is a chance to push your limits, to find calm within yourself, and to appreciate both the immense beauty and unpredictability of nature. 

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