The Ocean Race is well represented in the iconic transatlantic race…
With the first 10 IMOCAs now across the finishing line of the Transat Jacques Vabre in Martinique, sailors from The Ocean Race are prominent at the sharp end of the fleet.
Our congratulations go out to race winners Thomas Ruyant and Morgan Lagravière on their IMOCA ‘For People’. Both had previously teamed up on ‘LinkedOut’ in The Ocean Race Europe in 2021, cementing their ties to the Race.
Second placed Paprek Arkéa features Yoann Richomme and Yann Elies, both of whom raced on legs of The Ocean Race earlier this year, while For the Planet – taking the final podium place – has Sam Goodchild, a mainstay on the Holcim-PRB team.
Two previous winners of The Ocean Race – Jérémie Beyou and Franck Cammas – teamed up to race Charal to a fourth place finish in the TJV, while Samantha Davies (who raced with Biotherm this year) and Jack Boutell (a race winner with 11th Hour Racing Team) formed a powerful partnership in taking fifth place on Initiatives Coeur.
The rest of the top ten finishers included at least one sailor who participated in the most recent edition of The Ocean Race, demonstrating the performance advantages to be gained through the close integration of the IMOCA class and its top sailors and the Race.
“It’s been fantastic to be on a boat we know so well that we raced in The Ocean Race,” said Boris Herrmann on Team Malizia as he raced towards the finish last week. “It feels like home on board… We are even thinking and talking about the next Ocean Race Europe when we are out here!”
Another IMOCA we are keeping an eye on is the Nexans – Arts et Fenêtres boat, with Fabrice Amadeo and Andréas Baden. This boat is carrying data gathering equipment provided by The Ocean Race science programme and will collect information to further ocean research.
And beyond the IMOCA story, all five Ultime trimarans in the Transat Jacques Vabre featured at least one sailor with previous experience in The Ocean Race.
See more on the Transat Jacques Vabre on the event website or via IMOCA.
