Mixed Duos Ready for Transat Paprec Challenge

24th March 2025

Afloat.ie Team

19 mixed duos are determined to make their mark on the Transat Paprec Credit: Qaptur

Nineteen mixed offshore pairs are set to compete in the Transat Paprec, a significant event in the French Elite Ocean Racing Championship.

Scheduled to launch on 20th April, the race will take participants in Figaro3 yachts from Concarneau to Saint-Barthelemy.

This edition marks the second time the race will be entirely mixed, a change implemented in 2023 with the support of title partner Paprec. The number of competing pairs has increased from eleven to nineteen, drawing skippers from five different nationalities, including France, England, and Switzerland.

The event aims to foster gender diversity in sailing. "By spearheading the gender mix, the Transat Paprec is contributing to the emergence of talented sailors at the highest level," said a spokesperson for the race.

Notable participants include title holder Charlotte Yven and emerging sailors like Lola Billy and Laure Galley.

The competition features experienced sailors, many of whom have completed transatlantic races in other classes, such as IMOCA and Ultim. Support from local authorities, including the Brittany Region and Concarneau, plays a crucial role in promoting the race.

The opening village will commence on 15th April, creating excitement ahead of the race.

Published in Mixed Offshore Keelboat

Tagged under

Transat Paprec

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Offshore

Mixed Two Person Offshore Keelboat

For the first time in sailing's Olympic history, a Mixed Two Person Offshore Keelboat event will be on the slate at the Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Competition.

The Mixed Two Person Offshore Keelboat will join kiteboarding, windsurfing, multihulls, singlehanded and doublehanded dinghies and skiffs, promoting the diversity of the sport. This, in turn, will support World Sailing's desire to promote and grow universality in all disciplines and increase female participation with gender-equal medals and athletes.

Offshore sailing is the ultimate test of endurance, skill, discipline, navigation and critical decision making.

Embracing a major part of sailing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will enable new stars of the sport to come to the forefront.

Qualification

Offshore sailing is a universal discipline that every World Sailing Member National Authority (MNA) can participate in.

Up to 20 nations will be on the start line at Paris 2024 and sailors from every continent will be represented. To qualify for the Olympic Games, continental qualification events will be held and competition for a spot will be hotly contested.

Equipment

For qualification events, World Sailing will approve a list of one-design boats that are already regionally available and can be accessed as a charter boat. Boats will be equalised to ensure fair competition.

For Paris 2024, World Sailing's Council will select a list of different Equipment it considers to meet the key criteria by 31 December 2020 and then make a decision on the Equipment, selecting from the list, no later than 31 December 2023.

MNAs, Class Associations and Manufacturers have all been invited to propose Equipment for the list and a World Sailing Working Party will evaluate each proposal. A recommended list will be presented to Council for approval in November 2020.

This recommended Equipment list will ensure that event organisers, MNAs and the sailors have opportunities to train and compete in Equipment that is readily available and affordable within their continent and country. It will also ensure each MNA has a fair opportunity to prepare for qualification events and eventually, Paris 2024.

Format

Starting and finishing in Marseille, the Mixed Offshore event is expected to last for either three days and two nights or four days and three nights off the French coastline and whoever crosses the finish line first will be declared Olympic champion.

The race course and length will be announced in the lead up to the start so the competition can take advantage of the latest weather forecast. Current options proposed include long and short courses heading towards the West and East of France.

Safety and Security

The French Navy and Mediterranean forces have extensive experience of supporting major oceanic sailing races. They will provide safety and security at Paris 2024.