Already the winner of Return to Base in December, Paprec Arkéa skipper Yoann Richomme has won The Transat, the oldest offshore race. Having left Lorient last Sunday April 28, he crossed the line this Monday at 8:23 p.m. after 8 days, 6 hours, 53 minutes at sea. Leader of the race since last Thursday, author of a remarkable performance with his composure and tenacity, Yoann asserts himself more than ever as a key player in the IMOCA fleet, just over a year after his boat's launch. Enough to fill up on confidence before the return race (New York-Vendée) and especially its big objective, the Vendée Globe on November 10.
He will finally be able to celebrate, relax and enjoy the moment. Yoann Richomme achieved a giant feat Monday evening, by completing a crazy race. Until the end, despite a particularly weak wind and the return of determined competitors, he held on, fought, and never gave up. He achieved one of the most resounding and prestigious victories of his career. Yoann Richomme wins the mother of transatlantic races and adds his name to a list that includes legends such as Éric Tabarly, Philippe Poupon, Michel Desjoyeaux, Loïck Peyron and François Gabart.
Already the winner of Return to Base in December, Paprec Arkéa skipper Yoann Richomme has won The Transat, the oldest offshore race. Having left Lorient last Sunday April 28, he crossed the line this Monday at 8:23 p.m. after 8 days, 6 hours, 53 minutes at sea. Leader of the race since last Thursday, author of a remarkable performance with his composure and tenacity, Yoann asserts himself more than ever as a key player in the IMOCA fleet, just over a year after his boat's launch. Enough to fill up on confidence before the return race (New York-Vendée) and especially its big objective, the Vendée Globe on November 10.
He will finally be able to celebrate, relax and enjoy the moment. Yoann Richomme achieved a giant feat Monday evening, by completing a crazy race. Until the end, despite a particularly weak wind and the return of determined competitors, he held on, fought, and never gave up. He achieved one of the most resounding and prestigious victories of his career. Yoann Richomme wins the mother of transatlantic races and adds his name to a list that includes legends such as Éric Tabarly, Philippe Poupon, Michel Desjoyeaux, Loïck Peyron and François Gabart.
An incredible collective success
Since the start of this adventure with Paprec and Arkéa, Yoann Richomme has retained his Route du Rhum title in the Class40 (2022), won Return to Base between Fort-de-France and Lorient (2023) and achieved a new success with this win. In short, this is his third transatlantic race win in 19 months! More than anything, this adventure is collective. It is the result of increased confidence on the part of Paprec and Arkéa, key players in offshore racing, who believed in this project and worked hard to contribute to its success.
This victory illustrates the team's cohesion, know-how and commitment. The last phase of construction, this winter, proved their professionalism and commitment. Despite a very short preparation time Yoann was able to polish his skills, regain his rhythm, and calmly approach this first meeting of the season.
A demonstration of resistance
However, in the race, nothing was easy and Yoann was prepared for it. He knew he had to progress upwind, in “ boat-breaking” and unpleasant conditions, in a chaotic sea with the obligation of never counting his hours of sleep. At the start of the race, Yoann had to face "a few small technical problems that were not very significant " and recognized that the weather was tiring. “It hits, it’s violent, unstable, and uncomfortable," he said.
Crossing the finish line, after this completely crazy and particularly nerve-wracking finale, was a relief. In addition to being part of history, the feat sets a new standard for this race, highlighting the incredible intensity it has exhibited throughout. Yoann will therefore be able to enjoy and benefit from his grandiose arrival in New York.
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