Armel Le Cléac’h and Sébastien Josse won a historic victory during the Transat Jacques-Vabre. After years of setbacks in multihull racing, this duo of talented skippers finally reached the pinnacle of competition by winning this famous transatlantic race.
Departing from Le Havre, Armel Le Cléac’h and Sébastien Josse traveled the 14,000 kilometers to Martinique in 14 days, 10 hours, 14 minutes and 50 seconds. Their exceptional performance was greeted by a jubilant crowd, present on the arrival pontoon in Fort-de-France, and by a spectacular fireworks display.
For Armel Le Cléac’h, this victory was particularly gratifying. After several years of bad luck and setbacks in multihulls, he was finally able to demonstrate all his talent and determination. Indeed, since he became principal skipper of Banque Populaire multihulls in 2013, he has often been confronted with obstacles and adventures which have hindered his progress.
But this time, everything aligned perfectly for Armel Le Cléac’h and Sébastien Josse. Their sailboat, the Maxi Banque Populaire, was in excellent condition and their navigation strategy was judicious. By choosing to bypass the island of Madeira from the north, they managed to take the lead of the fleet and maintain it despite constant pressure from their competitors.
Their performance downwind, when the wind blows from behind the ship, was also impressive. The Maxi Banque Populaire sailed at an average speed of more than 30 knots for days, widening the gap with the other sailboats.
This victory is a real consecration for Armel Le Cléac’h. After winning the Vendée Globe in a monohull in 2017, he now adds a major multihull title to his list of achievements. His determination and undeniable talent allowed him to show the whole world his capabilities on the oceans.
In conclusion, the victory of Armel Le Cléac’h and Sébastien Josse during the Transat Jacques-Vabre is a real triumph after years of setbacks in multihulls. Their exceptional performance and perseverance were rewarded with a historic victory. This victory is an example of determination and talent that inspires sailing enthusiasts around the world.