The Ocean Race Europe: the Paprec Arkéa crew is ready to take on the challenge!
Seven months after finishing the Vendée Globe, Yoann Richomme is taking on an equally exciting new challenge. Alongside a determined crew of four sailors and a mediaman, Yoann will set off on August 10 for a European tour that promises to be highly competitive, from Kiel (Germany) to Boka Bay (Montenegro), passing through Nice. A serious technical and tactical challenge where the Paprec Arkéa team hopes to shine.
It's not just the competition that drives Yoann in offshore sailing — it’s also the journey. Having crossed the Atlantic with his father as a teenager, he loves discovering new landscapes, cultures, and places, especially when arriving by boat. That’s one of the key features of The Ocean Race Europe, now in its second edition, offering a tour of the Old Continent over nearly two months. The skippers will depart from Kiel (Germany), visit Portsmouth (England), have a fly-by (brief stop) in Matosinhos-Porto (Portugal), and stop in Cartagena (Spain), Nice (France), Genoa (Italy), before a spectacular arrival in Boka Bay (Montenegro). France won't be left out with a stop in Nice, which “allows us to meet a new audience,” says Yoann. “In the team, we love races that take us to less familiar destinations,” he smiles.
“A very intense and dynamic regatta”
Beyond the journey and the travel aspect, the race promises to be just as exciting as a tactical, technical, and physical challenge. “We’ll cross the North Sea, the English Channel, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean,” Yoann notes. “We’ll have to deal with weather, currents, and the proximity of the coastline... It’s super varied and super interesting.” The skipper also mentions “the heavy traffic in the Bay of Biscay” and “the poker game” expected in the Mediterranean.
The longest legs will only last a few hours. It’ll be a fast-paced, very dynamic regatta with lots of small tactical plays.
To meet these challenges against a strong and balanced field, Yoann will rely on a particularly talented crew. He’ll be joined by Mariana Lobato, winner of The Ocean Race Europe 2021 alongside him aboard VOR65 Racing for the Planet, Pascal Bidégorry, winner of The Ocean Race 2023 and the 2018 Volvo Ocean Race, and his co-skipper through the Transat Café L’Or, Corentin Horeau. The team also includes three shore team members: Gautier Levisse, head of the design office; Louis Dubois, rigging manager; and Julien Champolion, mediaman. “We have everything we need to perform and enjoy ourselves together,” Yoann affirms.
“A mutual exchange”
But what Yoann loves most about Paprec Arkéa is the idea of sharing, of collaboration. “I really enjoy the team aspect — the need to give everything individually for the success of the group. It’s all about sharing experience and skills!” In recent weeks, sailing sessions have increased in Brittany. “We use public-relations outings to help everyone get comfortable with the boat and also to test some technical elements.” Still, Yoann remains cautious: “We haven’t raced against others yet. It’s hard to say whether the improvements made over the winter will pay off or not.” Nevertheless, he states that “overall, the feeling is very good.”
To be sure, the Rolex Fastnet Race will be essential. “That will be our real training!” A legendary race held at the end of July, from Cowes to Cherbourg via the iconic Fastnet Rock. “It’s a true test of endurance and skill,” Yoann explains. “It offers a great sporting challenge with lots of short legs. It’s very strategic, very intense — just like a stage of The Ocean Race Europe.” A great way to “find the right crew dynamics” and “give it everything.” In short, a dress rehearsal before heading to Germany to begin this long-awaited European tour.