Cindy Brin and Thomas André (Cap St Barth), 3rd* in the Transat Paprec!

From start to finish, from their training together this winter to their incredible tenacity on the Atlantic Ocean, the duo delivered a top-flight performance. The first native of Saint-Barthélemy to compete in the race, Cindy knew how to handle the pressure and withstand everything. Liberated and determined, the Breton Thomas André was able to express all his talent, to the point of offering himself a truly memorable finish in Saint-Barthélemy. After a head-to-head battle they will undoubtedly remember for a long time, the pair finished just 35 seconds ahead of Maël Garnier and Catherine Hunt (Selencia - Cerfrance), fourth in the Transat Paprec.

THEIR RACE IN NUMBERS

Finish time: Friday, May 9 at 03:04:21 (local time), 09:04:21 (mainland time) Race time: 18 days 29 hours, 02 minutes, 21 seconds Gap to first: 45 minutes 27 Gap to previous: 02 minutes 46 seconds Distance covered on the great circle: 3864.22 nautical miles Distance covered over the ground: 4319.34 nautical miles Average speed (on the great circle): 8.55 knots Average speed (over the ground): 9.56 knots

THEIR RACE DECRYPTED. Stars at home

"They're having an incredible race ," assures Armel Le Cléac'h, two-time winner of the Transat Paprec. "We ended up being less and less surprised ," laughs Francis Le Goff. And here is the surprise of the chief, the hit of the summer, the sensation of the moment. The outcome is all the more beautiful because few observers had predicted it. At the origin of this story, there is a dream: that of Cindy Brin, sailing instructor in Saint-Barthélemy, a beloved personality on the island who allows so many young people to turn to the sea, to compete in "the challenge of their life . "

A duo that contributes to the pride of the territories But the mother doesn't want to be a figurehead. So nothing is left to chance. Éric Péron, who himself flew the colors of Saint-Barth in previous editions of the Transat Paprec, decides to give her a helping hand. They find a boat, establish a training program during the winter, and agree on a co-skipper. It will be Thomas André, who learned his trade in Mini and now dreams of gaining experience in Figaro. He is also the only one to defend the Breton language, which he speaks fluently, and is delighted that their duo contributes to the pride of the start and finish territories.

From the start, the emotion of the "goodbyes" was converted into an incredible desire. Cap St Barth even led the demanding coastal course. Tenth at Cape Finisterre, they were fifth at La Palma before slotting into the leading trio with Wings of the Ocean (Alexis Thomas and Pauline Courtois) and Skipper Macif (Charlotte Yven and Hugo Dhallenne). Time passed and Cap St Barth was still there, now seen as a serious contender for a place of honor. After the uncertain battle at the end of the race, Cindy and Thomas finally finished third in this edition, 35 seconds ahead of the fourth-place finisher, and were able to savor the incredible welcome that all the inhabitants of Saint-Barthélemy would give them.

*before jury