Paprec Arkéa - Yoann Richomme: "We’ll do everything we can to aim for victory"
Winner of the first edition of The Ocean Race Europe in a VOR65 and runner-up in the last Vendée Globe, Yoann Richomme has the credentials to be one of the key contenders in this race. His sailing team, a blend of experience (Mariana Lobato, Pascal Bidégorry, Gautier Levisse) and youthful drive (Corentin Horeau, Louis Dubois), looks formidable.
Appearances can be deceiving. You can finish second in the Vendée Globe, fight for victory for weeks, and still dread… spending so much time alone on a boat. “The biggest challenge for me is the solitude,” said Yoann Richomme before his round-the-world voyage. Upon arrival, 65 days later, he echoed the same sentiment: “What I feared most was spending that much time alone on my boat.”
For the 2025 season – the third with this IMOCA Paprec Arkéa – Yoann has decided to return to crewed sailing, which he sees as the obvious choice. “I love sailing with a crew. I love the idea of sharing, mutual learning, and giving to one another,” he confides.
Lobato and Bidégorry: talent and experience
Though he boasts an impressive solo track record – two-time winner of the Solitaire du Figaro (2016, 2019) and Route du Rhum (2018, 2022) – Yoann is just as comfortable with a team.
He proved it in 2021 by winning the inaugural The Ocean Race Europe.
That boat was bigger (VOR65, 22.14 meters), flew the Portuguese flag, and Yoann led his team to victory. Onboard was Mariana Lobato, who he naturally invited to join the crew again this year. The Portuguese sailor and mother of three is highly respected for her talent: trimmer and strategist aboard the TP52 Teasing Machine, she also sailed in The Ocean Race 2023 with Paul Meilhat, who would’ve liked to keep her on, but Yoann was quicker to make the move and sign her up.
Yoann also convinced Pascal Bidégorry, one of the most experienced offshore skippers. Runner-up in The Ocean Race Europe (2021) and winner of The Ocean Race 2023, he knew Paprec Arkéa... but from a different perspective.
“I saw Yoann a lot during training and races when I was co-skipper for Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance),” says Pascal with a smile. “I think it’s great to discover another boat and another skipper!”
Bidégorry returns to the IMOCA class after his collaboration on SVR-Lazartigue (Ultim), with which he attempted the Jules Verne Trophy this past winter.
Horeau, fired up
He will also team up with Corentin Horeau, Yoann’s co-skipper during the winter’s Transat Café L’Or, and future skipper of the same boat, which will sail under the MACSF banner next year. Paprec Arkéa first approached Corentin before MACSF decided to entrust him with its new IMOCA project. His experience aboard Yoann Richomme’s boat this season even encouraged MACSF to acquire it.
Paprec Arkéa agreed to transfer the boat earlier than expected, at the end of 2026. Corentin is highly motivated, especially after learning he wouldn’t be retained by Banque Populaire, where he developed his skills, for their new IMOCA project.
Yoann thus brings in a determined skipper with a good sense of humour – much like Bidégorry.
The crew will also include two members from Paprec Arkéa : Gautier Levisse, head of the design office, and Louis Dubois, rigging manager. Also onboard will be Julien Champolion, who regularly works with the team as a photographer and videographer, serving as the Onboard Reporter. With this team, Yoann Richomme states that he “has everything needed to be competitive.” And with a smile, he warns his rivals: “We’ll do everything to aim for victory and above all, enjoy this amazing adventure!”
Meet the Paprec Arkéa crew
Corentin Horeau
35 years old, winner of the 2023 Solitaire du Figaro
“Corentin is an excellent sailor. He’s super energetic on board and never gives up. He’s a fierce competitor and extremely motivated this season. He’s part of the new IMOCA generation, and I’m thrilled to help him take the next step.”
Pascal Bidégorry
57 years old, winner of the 2023 Volvo Ocean Race
“Pascal is one of the best IMOCA skippers. He’s here to challenge us, push our limits, and help us grow and perform at our best. His experience, critical thinking, and skills will be invaluable.”
Mariana Lobato
37 years old, winner of The Ocean Race Europe 2021
“Mariana is one of the most experienced offshore sailors, especially in the IMOCA class. She’s incredibly versatile, with a background in inshore and match racing. She can do everything on a boat, from trimming to helming. She’ll bring discipline and joy on board. We’ve already sailed together on a VO65, and it will be a pleasure to team up again.”
Gautier Levisse
41 years old, head of Paprec Arkéa’s design office
“He’s a great sailor! As head of the design office, he has deep knowledge and expertise of the boat. His participation is both a reward for his work and a way to collectively look ahead. There’s nothing better than racing to keep learning!”
Louis Dubois
25 years old, rigging manager of Paprec Arkéa
“Louis has been with the team since 2022. I’m very keen on recognizing those who are truly involved in the project and take care of the boat daily. Louis is one of them. I’m really happy he gets to be part of this race from the inside – and I know he’s a great sailor!”
Julien Champolion
27 years old, Onboard Reporter (OBR)
“We met during the last edition of The Ocean Race and quickly hit it off. Julien is a fantastic OBR, and he also loves sailing and is a great presence on board. He brings good vibes and laughter, which is so important during a high-intensity race!”