Transat Paprec 17th edition officially open

Transat Paprec © Thomas Deregnieaux - Qaptur

The village of the Transat Paprec was inaugurated this Tuesday afternoon, the 15th of April. All of the skippers were present alongside the representatives of the main partners of this edition including Paprec Group, the Brittany Region, the town of Concarneau, the CCI Finistère - Quimper délégation and the Collectivity of Saint-Barthélemy. From now on, 5 days of exchanges, discussions and celebrations. This afternoon, the skipper set the tone by participating in the Alex Picot Challenge ePrologue, won by Jules Ducelier and Sophie Faguet (Région Normandie).

It's the part of a big adventure. Six days before the 17th edition of the Transat Paprec gets under way, the village opened its doors this Tuesday and was officially inaugurated during the afternoon. The public was able to discover the 19 boats lined up along the port. In the background, a village of more than 1500 m2 with around 30 exhibitor stands. As they wander through the village, the visitors were able to discover the "Marine energy" exposition, presented by the Brittany Region, participate in the water preservation activity, visit the immersive pod of the Paprec-Arkéa IMOCA or take a trip on one of the electric boats in the harbour.

An ePrologue particularly competitive

Everyone was able to cross paths with the skippers in a relaxed atmosphere. The traditional prologue, the Alex Picot Challenge, was transformed into an ePrologue, because of high winds (with gusts in excess of 40 knots). The contenders found themselves early afternoon facing the village scene for two virtual regattas on the gaming platform Virtual Regatta. It was the duo of Jules Ducelier and Sophie Faguet (Région Normandie) who walks away with the victory, in front of Cindy Brin and Thomas André (Cap St Barth), winners of the second leg and Laure Galley and Kévin Bloch (DMG MORI Academy).

At 5p.m, the village was officially inaugurated by the organisers of the Transat Paprec, OC Sport Pen Duick, represented by Julie Coutts, General Manager, and the title sponsor Paprec, through the presence of Thibault Petithuguenin, Director of International Communications, Sports Sponsorship and Patronage. They were accompanied by Pierre Pouliquen, vice president of the Brittany Region in charge of youth, equal rights, sport and community life, Marc Bigot, Mayor of Concarneau, Jean-François Garrec, President of the CCI Finistère - Delegation of Quimper and Xavier Lédée, President Territorial Council of Saint-Barthélemy.

Julie Coutts, General Manager of OC Sport Pen Duick pointed out that the inauguration was "a special moment" after "more than 10 months of work to plan the village and its animations". She added: "We are proud to officially launch the start of this week of festivities ashore". She would like to pay tribute to "the starting region (the town of Concarneau) and the destination region (Saint-Barthélemy), the Brittany Region aswell as all the private partners, including the Paprec Group who provide a festive and educational experience through their events"

The inauguration was followed by a visit of the pontoons where the skippers could present their boat. The duo of Davy Beeaudart and Julie Simon took the opportunity to confide to Yoann Richomme, who's also patron of the race, the responsibility of baptising their Figaro, Hellowork. The day continued within the village for a moment of exchanges before finishing in music. The group "Mask ha Gazh, well known by Breton music lovers, takes the stage from 9pm to warm up the audience.

ENCART - Through the eyes of the two patrons.

They made the trip for the first day of the village to greet and encourage the sailors of this Transat Paprec. The ballerina at the Opéra de Paris, Valentine Colasante, and the renowned skipper and 2nd in the Vendée Globe, Yoann Richomme, were chosen as the patron and patroness of this 17th edition. 'It's an event that sends out a strong message in terms of parity, diversity and respect for the environment,' says the dancer. The skipper, for his part, is enthusiastic about a race that he describes as 'a great school for learning ocean sailing and getting used to the Atlantic'. Valentine describes it as 'a human, technical and artistic adventure'. She also has a nice way of describing the sailors: 'They face up to the unknown, the hazards... They are all artists of reality'. They're all real artists'.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday and Thursday (10.00am to 8.00pm):
Children's day
Friday (10.00am to 11.00pm):
From 1.30pm: PRO-AM Regatta (professionals and amateurs)
9.00 pm: Maracujah concert
Saturday (10.00am to 11.00pm):
9.00 pm: Concert by La Ruda
Sunday (9.00am to 6.00pm):
From 9.30am: Departure from the pontoons
1.02pm: Start on the water
The full programme of events can be found on the race website.

Practical Information

Free entry
Village - Quai Carnot, Concarneau
Open from 10.00 am (9.00 am on Sundays)
Closes at 8pm, 11pm during night-time events, 6pm on Sundays

They Said

Thibault Petithuguenin, Director of International Communications, Sports Sponsorship and Patronage

'We are delighted with the success of this second edition of the Transat Paprec, which Paprec has helped to make a mixed race. Male and female sailors see this transatlantic race as an opportunity to compete on equal terms with their peers and to develop their expertise. The selective course of this race lends itself to this, combining tactics and speed between Concarneau and Saint-Barthélemy in the West Indies.

We are particularly pleased to be the title partner of this race, which links two strong points for the Paprec group, which has a strong presence in Brittany and designed and manages the Saint-Barthélemy Eco-pole. An exemplary centre for the island's problems of energy autonomy and waste management.

Pierre Pouliquen, Vice-President of the Brittany Region with responsibility for youth, equal rights, sport and community life

'Collective intelligence and intelligence on transitions can be found in this port. We're delighted to be here as a long-standing partner of the Transat Paprec. We're proud to have two boats at the start. We were pioneers in voluntarily setting up a women's boat in our sector and contributing to this logic of transitions. Indeed, to take part in races, you have to know how to keep the sea as it is, by looking after its environment without forgetting the social dimension. To achieve this, we are keen to share our privilege with families who are not used to seeing the sea or going to pontoons!

Marc Bigot, Mayor of Concarneau

'Concarneau is once again affirming its identity as a maritime town by hosting the Transat Paprec village. Many thanks to our partners who are helping to bring this unique event to life, reflecting our strong link with the ocean and our desire to share it.'

Jean-François Garrec, President of the CCI Finistère - Quimper delegation

'The Finistère CCI is supporting this magnificent event, and I'm delighted to be here with you. I represent the business community and as I toured the port, I was impressed to see the number of companies involved in this event. Without businesses, these races wouldn't exist. When communities and sports come together, we can achieve great things. Good luck to all our sailors and thank you to all the companies taking part!