Meet Corentin Horeau and Pauline Courtois 

The first one is one of the best Figarists of the moment, recent winner of the Solo Maître CoQ and second this weekend in the Spi Ouest France. The second is a match-race regular, eager to take the plunge into the deep end of ocean racing. On board Mutuelle Bleue, Corentin (33) and Pauline (34) form an atypical, determined and very complementary duo. The pair is not afraid of anything and hopes to be among those who will fight for the places of honor (or a little more) at the finish in Saint-Barthélemy.    

• Why participate in the Transat Paprec?

Pauline : " I have never done any ocean racing. I come from match racing, which is a bit the opposite in terms of sailing. It's a bit like comparing a sprint to a marathon. But there are still many similarities, including the simple need to move a boat forward. When Corentin offered me to be his partner, I thought the challenge was really great!"

Corentin: "I had done the last edition with Élodie Bonafous (7th) and I had really enjoyed the experience. I wanted to do another transatlantic race and my partner agreed, so we decided to go for it! Participating in transatlantic races is not really my specialty, I still have a lot to learn. But I know how to operate the boat! "

• The story of your team? 

Corentin: "It's a double-handed transatlantic race, so I had to find someone and it was natural that I turned to Pauline. I already knew her and I thought it would be nice to team up. She accepted and since we started training, I am really happy. It validated everything I thought about her. Now we're working on the final details and it's going to be great! "

Pauline: "It's really great to have the opportunity to discover everything and learn with Corentin who is very efficient on this medium. We've known each other for a long time, we've crossed paths, especially in match racing and on the TourVoile, but we'd never sailed together. Once again, it's great to have the opportunity to discover ocean racing with him! "

• How important is the mix for you?

Pauline: "I feel particularly lucky to participate in this great first. Of course, the fact that it's compulsory shouldn't be an end in itself. But I think it opens up a lot of opportunities for the girls. There have never been so many female sailors participating in the Transat Paprec! It opens doors and we must take advantage of it." 

Corentin: "The last time I participated in this transatlantic race, I was part of one of the only mixed duos in the race! I think we should not even ask the question. For me, I don't care if I go with a man or a woman. We made up this pairing with Pauline because I have no doubt that we complement each other and that she has the right qualities."

• How did you plan your daily life on board?

Pauline: "Frankly, I have no idea what to expect! My record in sailing and racing is the Laura Vergne Trophy (beginning of April, NDRL)! It's really a great unknown aboard these boats that get wet, where comfort is very rudimentary... It's going to be a constant battle, I expect it to be very intense to gain the slightest meter and make the difference!" 

Corentin: "It's not an apprehension at all. Of course, there will be moments that are harder than others, but sailing is a sport where you have to know how to adapt constantly. I know it will go well. The idea is to finish as quickly as possible and to get along well, even if a fight also shows that we talk to each other, that there are exchanges and that the relationship is healthy! "