Meet Colombe Julia and Arthur Hubert

The experience of Arthur and his 9 transatlantic races, combined with the iron will of Colombe, used to Olympic sailing who dreams of the open sea. The 25 year old from Brest won the selection organised by Mer Entreprendre to take part and her determination is unquestionable. We meet the MonAtoutEnergie.com duo, who are determined to be the spoilsport.

• Why take part in the Transat Paprec?

Colombe: "I joined the Espoir project of the Mer Entreprendre network in January by winning the selection that took place in January. I really wanted to do ocean racing and taking part in the Transat Paprec is a great opportunity. Crossing the Atlantic has always been a dream of mine and I find it very rewarding to do it together. I'm happy and grateful to be able to seize this chance."

Arthur: "Since the beginning of the project, the Paprec Transat has been one of my partner's major objectives. I took part in 2021 (12th with Clément Commagnac) to prepare for this 2023 edition. This will be my 10th transatlantic race, which looks like being really nice. It's great to be taking part in the first mixed race, in a Figaro and therefore in a one-design race! I know the route and I'm really looking forward to going there with the idea of "performing well". We've been training with Colombe since January to improve all the details and be prepared as best we can."

• What is the story behind your partnership? 

Colombe: "Ocean racing has been a dream of mine since I was very young. The opportunity of Mer Entreprendre came at the right time to try my luck. I wanted to apply to sail on these boats and build up my experience alongside Arthur."

Arthur: "It was important that the selection was as early as possible to allow us to train well. Colombe started in January and we did the training courses. Then she did a transatlantic training trip bringing a Class 40 from the West Indies to Horta. This allowed her to spend time at sea, to get to grips with the nights on board, to manage her effort... It's the best training possible!"

• How important is the mix for you?

Colombe: "I find it very innovative and interesting. Of course, the rule was imposed, but we also experienced this in Olympism. As soon as the rule was known in 4.70, everyone played the game, we worked together and the rule imposed itself. It's really great!"

Arthur: "I think it's a very good idea. It's in tune with the times and it's relevant! This is the first 100% mixed race and I think it's cool to be part of it. It's the first ocean race with such a rulebook and it's going to be a long time coming, like some of the Olympic sailing series."

• How do you plan your daily life on board?

Colombe: "We'll have to organise ourselves well, but it will happen naturally. Everyone is autonomous during the watches, so we'll soon find the right organisation. I can't wait for it to start and for us to live this adventure to the full!"

Arthur : " I have no apprehension about life on board and the fact that we'll be able to keep going for a long time. Two years ago, things went really well with Clément, we had a lot of fun in our daily lives. It's true that these are small, damp boats and not very comfortable, but there's no fear!"