Ellie Driver – Oliver Hill: “Learn as much as possible!”

WORDS OF A DUO. They are among the youngest in the adventure. Ellie Driver (23) and Oliver Hill (25) are continuing their training in ocean racing. She has long sailed double-handed with her father, while he has mostly experienced crewed sailing. Racing under the banner of the Women's Engineering Society, they have mobilized like never before to build the project, train, and take control of the boat. Now, both are eager to set sail on the Atlantic, to focus solely on racing, and to see this incredible adventure through to the end.

What made you want to take part in this adventure?

Ellie: We both started with dinghies, then we raced in the RORC (Royal Ocean Racing Club) in Great Britain and the IRC. The next step was to progress abroad. The Figaro 3 was the best class to learn as much as possible.

Oliver : To progress in the Figaro, we know that the Transat Paprec is an important step. It's a race that brings together many challenges and requires a lot of mental and physical strength.

What are you expecting?

Ellie : First of all, we're really excited to get going! Doing it aboard a Figaro 3 adds an extra dimension; it's a real challenge. These are boats that can be uncomfortable, where mistakes are unforgivable... You can quickly put yourself in the red. Oliver: It's clear that the mental aspect is perhaps the most difficult. You have to get used to the idea that it's going to be tough! But the fact that there are two of us on board allows us to support each other. And I'm sure it'll make it even more fun when we cross the finish line!

“We can’t wait to be racing and for it to be just us, the boat and the sea.”

You seem very close. Do you complement each other at sea?

Oliver : Ellie has sailed a lot with her father, and I've done a lot of IRC races with a crew, so we have different experiences and skills. But that allows us to complement each other well at sea.

Do you have any apprehensions before the race?

Ellie: No, we haven't really thought about it. Of course, it's a huge challenge, so I'm a little nervous. But one of the biggest challenges was preparing the project, buying a boat, arranging the logistics, getting together for training... We can't wait to be racing and for it to be just us, the boat, and the sea.

Do you have a specific goal?

Ellie: No, no specific goal, or we keep it to ourselves (laughs)

Oliver : What we want is to learn as much as possible. We have the opportunity to spend 20 days at sea, which is rare. It will be great training!