At 36 years old, Vendée sailor Sébastien Simon will be lining up on Sunday, November 1st, at the start of the Route du Rhum in Saint-Malo. The Groupe Dubreuil skipper is one of two sailors, alongside Boris Herrmann, who will be starting with a brand-new Imoca. This particularity has earned him the label of rookie, even though his experience in ocean crossings is already extensive.
At 36 years old, Vendée sailor Sébastien Simon will be lining up on Sunday, November 1st, at the start of the Route du Rhum in Saint-Malo. The Groupe Dubreuil skipper is one of two sailors, alongside Boris Herrmann, who will be starting with a brand-new Imoca. This particularity has earned him the label of rookie, even though his experience in ocean crossings is already extensive.
The Vendée sailor will indeed be lining up for his 19th transatlantic race. This paradox illustrates the dual reality of this race: on one hand, the discovery of a recent boat, still untested in competition; on the other, a thorough knowledge of the demands of the open sea. This combination could prove to be an asset, provided he manages the technical hiccups that often come with the first months of a new vessel.
When asked about his preparation, Sébastien Simon acknowledges that the pace of recent months has been physically demanding. Between tuning sessions, sea trials, and development work, the workload has been heavy. However, he approaches the deadline with the intention of turning this fatigue into positive energy, while remaining realistic about the challenges ahead.
The 2026 Route du Rhum promises to be particularly competitive in the Imoca class, with several favorites in the running. For Sébastien Simon, the goal will first be to complete the course without incident, then to stand out from seasoned competition. His experience in long-distance racing could make the difference in tricky moments.
The Groupe Dubreuil skipper knows that success will depend on careful navigation and meticulous equipment management. With a brand-new boat, every detail counts. The opening hours of the race will be crucial for assessing how the Imoca performs under real racing conditions.
The question remains how this blend of technical youth and sporting maturity will translate on the water. Observers are eager to see whether Sébastien Simon can fulfill his potential, as he approaches this transatlantic race with the humility of a rookie and the confidence of a seasoned campaigner.
The Vendée sailor will indeed be lining up for his 19th transatlantic race. This paradox illustrates the dual reality of this race: on one hand, the discovery of a recent boat, still untested in competition; on the other, a thorough knowledge of the demands of the open sea. This combination could prove to be an asset, provided he manages the technical hiccups that often come with the first months of a new vessel.
When asked about his preparation, Sébastien Simon acknowledges that the pace of recent months has been physically demanding. Between tuning sessions, sea trials, and development work, the workload has been heavy. However, he approaches the deadline with the intention of turning this fatigue into positive energy, while remaining realistic about the challenges ahead.
The 2026 Route du Rhum promises to be particularly competitive in the Imoca class, with several favorites in the running. For Sébastien Simon, the goal will first be to complete the course without incident, then to stand out from seasoned competition. His experience in long-distance racing could make the difference in tricky moments.
The Groupe Dubreuil skipper knows that success will depend on careful navigation and meticulous equipment management. With a brand-new boat, every detail counts. The opening hours of the race will be crucial for assessing how the Imoca performs under real racing conditions.
The question remains how this blend of technical youth and sporting maturity will translate on the water. Observers are eager to see whether Sébastien Simon can fulfill his potential, as he approaches this transatlantic race with the humility of a rookie and the confidence of a seasoned campaigner.
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Source: Ouest-France