Armel Le Cléac’h: “The Transat Paprec, one of the most beautiful races I have ever competed in”

SATURDAY INTERVIEW. He remains the only skipper to have won the Transat Paprec twice, in 2004 and 2010. Armel Le Cléac'h started out in the Figaro and performed well there for a long time before moving on to the IMOCA and then the Ultim. Before sailing aboard the Maxi Banque Populaire XI on Friday, the skipper took the time to discuss his memories of the Transat Paprec and his outlook on the current race and its imminent outcome.

What are your memories of your first participations in the Transat Paprec? The first victory was pretty crazy, it was a great story. Two years earlier, Nicolas Troussel and I had a last-minute sponsor and had to abandon after breaking the forestay at Cape Finisterre. In 2004, we came back, the start was delayed, the stopover in Madeira was canceled, and we arrived on May 11, the day of both our birthdays.

And six years later, you won again... Yes, it was with Fabien (Delahaye) who was a young man full of promise and talent who had just started. We won the transatlantic race after a great battle with 3 to 4 boats that were in sight of each other throughout the race... And there again, we arrived on May 11!

“I find that diversity is a strength.”

What's important to perform well in the Transat Paprec? First, you have to find a good partner. Cohesion on board is essential because you have to trust each other and get along well. Fabien and I didn't know each other very well, but we complemented each other well. This alchemy is important because it's a race where the equation isn't easy; you have to know how to be opportunistic, fight to make gains gradually, and never give up. But it's a great adventure, one of the best races I've ever done, especially since you finish in Saint-Barthélemy, a beautiful corner of paradise.

What is your opinion on the current race? First of all, I think the diversity is a strength since it allows many young skippers to gain experience in the best school that is the Figaro. Afterwards, even if I don't know these young sailors very well, we are seeing a great battle at the front of the race. We can see that there are three boats that are standing out (Skipper Macif, Cap St Barth, Wings of the Ocean). They managed to be in the game in terms of speed and strategy by negotiating the transition phases well, which weren't easy. The light wind zone ahead of them won't be easy to negotiate. Until Saint-Barthélemy, the game is still open!

“The Transat Paprec is a two-person race!”

The suspense often lasts until the very end... Yes, that's for sure. In 2010, there was this four-way battle for victory. I also remember the 2006 edition, when Nicolas Troussel and I finished 5th. During the last night, the top seven were all in sight; we could see the lights of the boats moving forward in single file. And they all arrived at the finish line within the hour!

How do you last 18 days while pushing yourself to the limit? Some suffered from the windy conditions and accumulated fatigue. What's important is to alternate watches properly, giving the other a little extra time if they're tired. Communication between the two is important to keep the distance and maintain a positive and combative attitude. The Transat Paprec is a two-person race!

Are there any skippers you follow more than others? Yes, I pay attention to those who, like me, are part of the Pôle de Port-La-Fôret. I'm thinking in particular of Charlotte Yven, who could join me on the list of double winners! I'd love that, especially since Charlotte, like me, is from the Bay of Morlaix! I'm also thinking of the Le Pape brothers, who are not far from the leaders. And then there's also the nice surprise of Cap St Barth (Cindy Brin and Alexis Thomas), who are having a great race! I know how warm the welcome in Saint-Barthélemy can be, so for them, it's going to be a real celebration!

You said again that the Figaro was the best school… Yes, I strongly believe in it. It's the best school for both single-handed and double-handed racing. The Transat Paprec is very valuable for training. Before participating, I had never crossed the Atlantic and I had never spent so many days at sea. You spend hours downwind, in the breeze, it's an incredible experience for all those who are lucky enough to do the Solitaire du Figaro. Those who have done the Transat Paprec will have a little extra, will be more comfortable… It's an undeniable experience in a series that works well thanks to the one-design and its vitality. In the Figaro, there are no negative points!