Transat Paprec

He will forever be the first. Alongside Jacques Caraës, Michel Desjoyeaux won the inaugural edition of the Transat Paprec. That was in 1992—he wasn’t yet known as “the Professor,” but already had all the talent.

Since then, “Michdej” has become one of the biggest names in offshore racing. A die-hard enthusiast, he’s starting a new project this season in Class40. Yesterday, Michel Desjoyeaux took the time to reflect at length on his connection with the Transat Paprec, now organized by OC Sport Pen Duick. He describes it as “a Solitaire du Figaro across the Atlantic” and reminds us of the level of commitment and discipline required to perform well.

Race update

• The leaders are expected to pass the waypoint at La Palma in the middle of the night between Saturday and Sunday.
• Until late morning, the fleet was split into two groups; the sailors executed a series of gybes to reposition themselves, but all have now regrouped before beginning a long port tack towards the Azores.
• The favored option for passing the La Palma waypoint seems to be following the direct route, taking advantage of stronger winds near the island.
• As of the 4:00 PM ranking, DEMAIN (Martin Le Pape and Mathilde Géron), Winds of the Ocean (Alexis Thomas and Pauline Courtois), and Décrochons la lune (Romain Bouillard et Irina Gracheva) occupied the top three spots.
• The top ten boats are separated by only 15 nautical miles.

Michel, what memories do you have of your victory in the first edition?

“There are so many moments that stick with me. I remember having an incredible teammate (Jacques Caraës), charting a beautiful course off the Portuguese coast, and the celebration we had upon arrival! We also had a stretch of flat calm in the middle of the Atlantic crossing. It made me so mad I threw the winch handle—it bounced and flew just over Jacques’ head!”

Where does that victory rank in your career achievements?

“It was an extraordinary year. A few months earlier, I had won my first Solitaire du Figaro. And it was a major first: the Figaro boats had never crossed the Atlantic in a race before. Personally, I had already done an Atlantic crossing the year before. Before we set off, there were a lot of doubts about the reliability of the masts. In the end, it turned out to be a great race and a fierce competition.”

“Mixed crews? A no-brainer”

What are the keys to performing well in the Transat Paprec?

“At the time, it was crucial to be able to plot a course with very little weather information. The navigation instruments we have today didn’t exist yet! One thing is clear: it’s the same intensity and level as the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, except that it’s double-handed and across the Atlantic!”

The boats are also quite physically demanding…

“They’re as tough as any 9.75-meter monohull! But the strength of the class is that everyone faces the same conditions. And the boats are faster now, so we spend less time at sea. Though I’m not sure if that’s such good news, because honestly, being at sea isn’t so bad!”

There’s a lot of enthusiasm and energy in the fleet right now…

“Yes, despite how sports achievements and races are becoming more commonplace, and even though we should keep things in perspective (we’re not saving lives here), it’s important to remember that ordinary people wouldn’t agree to go through this. Most people don’t have the desire—or the mindset—to cross the Atlantic aboard a Figaro Beneteau 3!”

What are your thoughts on mixed crews?

“Sailing is one of the rare sports where mixed competition is the norm, apart from a few Olympic classes and windsurfing events. There’s no distinction between men and women in offshore racing, and there’s no reason for there to be one. It’s obvious that women can compete at the highest level. Soon, it won’t even be a question anymore!”

Training in the Figaro class still seems to be highly valued, as shown by the podium of the last Vendée Globe (where all three winners had come through the Figaro ranks)…

“Yes, absolutely, the Figaro is essential. In my opinion, anyone aiming for success in offshore racing is making a mistake if they skip it. You don’t have to shine to benefit from it and gain experience. But it’s undeniable that if you do perform well, it adds some solid stamps to your passport for the next stages…”

by Transat Paprec