For the second time in its long history, the double-handed transatlantic race on equal terms will be entirely made up of mixed doubles. A major step forward, spurred on by the arrival of Paprec as title partner of the event two years ago, which is helping to foster vocations and enable young female sailors to gain experience at the highest level. They will join Karine Fauconnier, Samantha Davies and Violette Dorange, all of whom have left their mark on the history of the race.
It’s the story of a revolution at the heart of a fundamental movement. More than ever, ocean racing is being written in the feminine gender, and Transat Paprec is doing its bit. In 2023, when Paprec became title partner of this 30-year-old race, it was decided that the edition would be entirely mixed. “By taking over the race’s Title Partnership, we have helped to impose gender diversity, a major first in ocean racing,” enthuses Paprec CEO Sébastien Petithuguenin. It’s not just a question of equality, it also enriches the competition and breathes new life into it.
“A new approach to maritime challenges”
Two years ago, eleven duos took part in this unprecedented mixed edition. The Transat Paprec, whose principle is unchanging – duos crossing the Atlantic aboard identical boats – is thus at the forefront of feminization in sport. Many of the participants have gone on to make their mark, such as Violette Dorange, Anne-Claire Le Berre and Charlotte Yven. “We want to enable female sailors to develop their experience. It’s in the details that the victories of major races are decided: sleep management, a fine understanding of the weather and boat settings… The selective course of this race lends itself to this, combining a part requiring fine tactics in the Bay of Biscay and along the coast of Portugal, then a frenzied sprint in the Tradewinds to the West Indies. We’re certain that tomorrow we’ll be seeing women on the podiums of the biggest ocean races, and the Transat Paprec will have made its contribution to that!” confirms Sébastien Petithuguenin.
Two years after this major first, the Transat Paprec is back again this April, kicking off from Concarneau on Sunday April 20th. This year, some twenty duos are expected to take part, demonstrating the positive evolution of the race. All the duos will be officially presented on Thursday March 20th at Paprec Bretagne headquarters in Le Rheu.
Many famous female sailors have taken part in the race, from Catherine Chabaud (1994), Florence Arthaud (1996) and Isabelle Autissier (2000), to Samantha Davies (2004, 2006, 2010), Justine Mettraux and Clarisse Crémer (2018) and Violette Dorange (2023). However, there are only two women to have added their names to the list of winners: Karine Fauconnier in 2000, associated with Lionel Lemonchois, and Charlotte Yven, victorious two years ago with Loïs Berrehar. And in a few weeks’ time, at the end of this 17th edition, a third yachtswoman will add her name to the prestigious Transat Paprec prize list.
THE TESTIMONIAL OF SAMANTHA DAVIES: “Opening the doors to ocean racing”.
“I think it’s great that such a famous race is completely mixed. It’s a great opportunity to open the doors of ocean racing to more women and allow them to sail at a very high level. It’s also a way of showing confidence in them, offering them a helping hand so that they can progress more quickly. In doubles, you’re obliged to share everything: you’re on watch on your own, you’re involved in the strategy, you analyze the weather… It’s a golden opportunity to take things to the next level. Being able to mark the Transat Paprec on your CV is a great asset for the future and for continuing to climb the ladder. And this transatlantic race is a great challenge. I have really good memories of my three participations: you always have to be at the helm, always pushing hard to find the trade winds and give it your all right to the end!”
About the Transat Paprec:
Every two years, the Transat Paprec (formerly known as the Transat AG2R) offers two teams the chance to compete against each other on the Atlantic aboard identical boats. The only transatlantic race on equal terms, since 1992 it has revealed the talents of men and women who take up this sporting and human challenge. Since 2023, at the instigation of the Paprec Group, the format has been unprecedented in ocean racing, as 100% of the duos must be made up of a woman and a man.
About OC Sport Pen Duick:
OC Sport Pen Duick is the French subsidiary of the OC Sport group in charge of ocean racing events. Created to manage the sporting campaigns of Eric Tabarly on the one hand and Dame Ellen MacArthur on the other, emblematic figures of international sport, the group faithfully perpetuates the spirit and values that animated these founding pioneers: to live and share unique experiences with the public, the athletes and the partners.
Historically involved in ocean racing, the group has developed unique expertise in professional sailing, drawing on its dual know-how in managing teams and organising the most prestigious races (La Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, ARKEA ULTIM CHALLENGE – Brest, The Transat CIC, La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, La Transat Paprec, Le Tour de Belle-île, etc.). OC Sport Pen Duick is a Groupe Télégramme company.
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