Meet Loïs Berrehar and Charlotte Yven

They are among the favourites and make no secret of it. Loïs and Charlotte form a "100% Macif" pairing Both sailors have joined the detection program of the mutual insurance company. If Loïs is used to the exercise - he has competed in the last two editions - it will be a great discovery for Charlotte who is also eager to compete.  

• Why participate in the Transat Paprec ? 

Loïs : " Because this race is part of the French Elite ocean racing championship, because it is one of the two major races on the calendar and because it is part of the Skipper Macif program ! And it's also a very nice two-handed, one-design race, which I've already had the opportunity to do twice."

Charlotte: "For me, this is my first transatlantic race. It is an important step in my career as a sailor. I am very happy to participate, especially in double-handed and in Figaro. There is no apprehension, only excitement!" 

• The story of your pairing?

Lois: "First of all, there was this rule about mixing. But at the same time, I think Charlotte would have been in my short list of sailors to contact. Being both Skipper Macif, the decision was finally natural, like an evidence."

Charlotte: "We have been partners since the end of last year. It's the logical next step after joining the Skipper Macif program following the first all-female selection. As Loïs is also part of the Skipper Macif program, it was quite natural that we decided to go together. We're going to form a 100% Macif team!"  

• How important is the gender mix for you ?

Charlotte: "I think there are good and bad things about this rule being imposed. I think it's an obligatory step in order to offer a maximum of opportunities to women sailors. If it can make women want to persevere, it's really interesting. We can also see that it works because of the number of mixed duos that will be present. On the other hand, there might have been more competitors if there had not been this rule. But I think it's temporary and necessary so that it won't be mandatory in the future."

Loïs : "I think it's a bet that is quite daring from the Transat Paprec. But it's a great initiative that encourages a little more gender diversity. And it gives a very good image to all the young girls and boys who want to join sailing clubs. It shows that we practice a sport that is open to all, that is committed to having more female and male competitors and that is necessarily virtuous in the future." 

• How did you plan your daily life on board?

Charlotte : " We didn't know each other before the selection but it goes very well between us. We trained at the Port-La-Forêt center, and we even shared a room. It was practical and it also allowed us to get to know each other better and to be ready for the Paprec Transat!"

Loïs : "I have no worries about life on board. Even if it's long and it's not easy to cross the Atlantic, I don't really have any worries about life on board. On the other hand, my first apprehension is linked to the sargasso. I think we were all traumatized during the last edition. It's very restrictive, it happens quite early at the end of the race and we have to spend our time removing it from the keel! But we know that's part of the race for everyone!"