Yoann Richomme: “The Transat Paprec? I love this race!”

INTERVIEW. Before finishing on the podium in the Vendée Globe (2nd), the skipper of Paprec Arkéa learned his trade in the Figaro. The skipper distinguished himself there by winning the Solitaire twice (2016 and 2019). However, despite three participations and a 2nd place in 2014, Yoann never managed to win the Transat Paprec. Patron of this edition with ballet dancer Valentine Colasante, Yoann took the time to reflect on his memories, discuss the keys to the race, and his enthusiasm for the particularly high level of competition.

Why did you accept this role as sponsor? I love this race, I love the Figaro class, and I love the fact that it's being held in doubles and mixed doubles for the second time. Becoming a sponsor was quite natural... Even though I have good and bad memories of the race! (laughs)

In 2014, you finished 2nd with Fabien Delahaye behind the winning duo (Paul Meilhat-Gwénolé Gahinet). What do you remember from that edition? I had just started as Macif skipper. I was given a really warm welcome by Fabien, whom I'd known for a few years. We formed a good duo, very complementary, and it was a great transatlantic race. It was marked by important strategic decisions in the Canaries... Paul and Gwénolé were just a little better than us!

“From the start, resist the intensity of the race”

You also spoke of bad memories...

Let's just say that my next two participations were not crowned with success! In 2016 with Charlie Dalin, we made a mistake during a maneuver and we dismasted, not far from Madeira, which we had to reach under jury rigging. The next time with Martin Le Pape, the masthead broke off Porto and led to another dismasting... These are never very easy moments... Especially since we didn't manage to reach Saint-Barth!

What are the ingredients for a successful Transat Paprec?

You already need to have a very good level in Figaro. It's important to know the boat inside out, to have good reflexes. What counts, from the start, is to manage to hang on to the pack in front, to withstand the intensity of the race. Given that everything is a question of positioning and details, the complementarity between the skippers is essential. That's what allows you to constantly be on top of the weather, to take advantage of the effects of the site, the slightest cloud... And then it requires a very strong concentration because you spend hours at the helm, even when you're burning under the sun of the trade winds! It's a great school to learn offshore sailing and to gain experience in the North Atlantic.

This is the second edition to be contested entirely between mixed pairs. What does that inspire in you? I think it's a very good development. It's important to increase everyone's experience and know-how in the most equal way possible. Making it mandatory two years ago was a very good idea. You only have to look at the number of registrations (11 in 2023, 18 this year) to see the interest it generates. We can only applaud the approach. It's a step in the right direction!

Who are the favorites for this edition? I have to mention the duo formed by the man who will be my co-skipper at the Transat Café L'Or, Corentin Horeau (co-skipper of Lola Billy, Région Bretagne CMB Océane). There's also Hugo Dhallenne and Charlotte Yven (Skipper Macif), I think it's going to be solid. We naturally tend to bet on the duos with the most experience!