Transat Paprec Sets Sail as Mixed Doubles for Second Time
The first of some 20 mixed double crews racing one-design Figaro Beneteau 3s are expected to arrive in St. Barth’s between May 7 and May 8 on the Transat Paprec. Started in 1992 and formerly called the Transat AG2R, this double-handed race will feature one man and one woman on each boat for the second time. In 2023, the arrival of Paprec as the title partner marked the first edition contested entirely by mixed duos. Two years later, this principle became an integral part of the DNA of the Transat Paprec, with the number of participants almost doubled from eleven to twenty pairs.
Many famous female sailors participated in the race, including the UK’s Samantha Davies in 2004, 2006, and 2010. Davis has five circumnavigations and several transatlantic crossings to her credit.
“I think it’s great that such a famous race is completely mixed,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity to open the doors of ocean racing to more women and allow them to sail at a very high level. It’s also a way of showing confidence in them and helping them so that they can progress more quickly. In doubles, you’re obliged to share everything: you’re on watch on your own, you’re involved in the strategy, you analyze the weather. It’s an excellent opportunity to take things to the next level. Being able to mark the Transat Paprec on your CV is a great asset for the future and for continuing to climb the ladder. And this transatlantic race is a great challenge. I have good memories of my three participations: you always must be at the helm, always pushing hard to find the trade winds and give it your all right to the end.”
Other female sailors have been Catherine Chabaud (1994), Florence Arthaud (1996), Isabelle Autissier (2000), Justine Mettraux and Clarisse Crémer (2018), and Violette Dorange (2023). However, only two women have added their names to the list of winners: Karine Fauconnier in 2000 and Charlotte Yven in 2023. In early May, at the end of this 17th edition, a third yachtswoman will add her name to the prestigious Transat Paprec prize list. www.transatpaprec.com/en
Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.
Worth your time?
Thanks — noted.
