The 41-year-old skipper from Saint-Brieuc, at the helm of Actual 4, makes his debut in the solo transatlantic race, aiming to stay within touching distance of the leaders.
For the first time in his career, Anthony Marchand will take part in the Route du Rhum. The solo race will get underway on Sunday, 1 November from Saint-Malo, a date the sailor from the Baie de Saint-Brieuc had long been waiting for, as the race starts just a few nautical miles from his home.
At 41 years old, the sailor grew up watching the great multihulls, the Orma class in particular, which left a lasting mark on his imagination. Today, he is at the helm of Actual 4, an Ultim ranking among the most high-performance boats in the fleet. For a racer who has come through the demanding trials of offshore sailing, lining up for the start of such a transatlantic crossing represents a major milestone, both sporting and personal.
According to observers, two crews clearly stand out among the favourites: Banque Populaire and SVR-Lazartigue. Without disputing that hierarchy, Anthony Marchand has set a clear ambition: not to be left behind and to remain in the leading group. Over a race as long and unpredictable as the Route du Rhum, managing weather conditions, the reliability of the boat and route choices can upend the standings within just a few days.
The geographical proximity adds a special dimension to the adventure. Starting from Saint-Malo, close to his home territory, gives the project a powerful emotional resonance, both for the skipper and for his loved ones and the local public who will watch the start.
It now remains to be seen how Actual 4 and its skipper will perform against the competition once the line is crossed. The first days of racing will show whether his preparation and accumulated experience will allow him to keep pace with the very best.
At 41 years old, the sailor grew up watching the great multihulls, the Orma class in particular, which left a lasting mark on his imagination. Today, he is at the helm of Actual 4, an Ultim ranking among the most high-performance boats in the fleet. For a racer who has come through the demanding trials of offshore sailing, lining up for the start of such a transatlantic crossing represents a major milestone, both sporting and personal.
According to observers, two crews clearly stand out among the favourites: Banque Populaire and SVR-Lazartigue. Without disputing that hierarchy, Anthony Marchand has set a clear ambition: not to be left behind and to remain in the leading group. Over a race as long and unpredictable as the Route du Rhum, managing weather conditions, the reliability of the boat and route choices can upend the standings within just a few days.
The geographical proximity adds a special dimension to the adventure. Starting from Saint-Malo, close to his home territory, gives the project a powerful emotional resonance, both for the skipper and for his loved ones and the local public who will watch the start.
It now remains to be seen how Actual 4 and its skipper will perform against the competition once the line is crossed. The first days of racing will show whether his preparation and accumulated experience will allow him to keep pace with the very best.
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Source: Ouest-France