Transat Paprec: The Sailors' secrets to staying on course for nearly 20 days at sea
by Transat Paprec 17 Apr 17:52 BST
20 April 2025
How Transat Paprec competitors find balance and comfort during their demanding Atlantic crossing. For over two weeks, the duos competing in the Transat Paprec will push themselves to the limit—living, sailing, and performing aboard 9.14-meter monohulls.
While tactical and strategic decision-making plays a major role, success also depends on something more subtle: the ability to live in harmony, stay motivated, and preserve morale in the most demanding of environments. Whether through music, food, or lucky charms, each sailor brings their own rituals to make life at sea more bearable—and sometimes even joyful.
A grueling Atlantic challenge
From navigating the Bay of Biscay to reaching La Palma, and withstanding squalls and searing heat in the trade winds, the Transat Paprec is a relentless challenge. Every maneuver and tactical decision can determine the outcome. With the constant demand for peak performance, comfort on board becomes more than a luxury—it's a necessity.
"Escaping through music on long stretches"
Music is often a sailor's best companion on long passages. Several teams—including Thomas de Dinechin and Aglaé Ribon (Almond for Pure Ocean), and Davy Beaudart and Julie Simon (Hellowork)—are bringing portable speakers aboard. "I hope we'll have some good playlists," says Chloé Le Bars, sailing with Adrien Simon (FAUN), who jokes she might ask her teammate to pack noise-canceling headphones.
On Wings of the Ocean, Alexis Thomas and Pauline Courtois will each have their own headset. "It's important to have moments to ourselves, especially since one of us is usually sleeping while the other is steering," explains Alexis.
Musical tastes onboard range widely: Adrien Simon says his go-to tracks span from 1970s classics to 2025 hits, blending rap and rock to "set the mood." Davy Beaudart admits a soft spot for Muse and Indochine, hoping to "get lost in the music on long legs." Meanwhile, Maël Garnier (sailing with Catherine Hunt on Selencia - Cerfrance) prefers mellow techno and electro like Boris Brejcha—and counts on playlists curated by friends. On Skipper Macif, the soundtrack is already set: "We've got Chacha's playlist," laughs Hugo Dhallenne. "But it's a surprise—I can't reveal it all," replies teammate Charlotte Yven with a grin.
The power of comfort food
While music lifts the spirits, food fuels the body and soothes the soul. Even those who claim food isn't their focus—like Thomas de Dinechin or Laure Galley (DMG MORI Academy, paired with Kévin Bloch)—recognize that good nutrition is crucial.
"We need to watch the weight we take on board, but there will definitely be some comfort food," smiles Lola Billy (Région Bretagne - CMB Océane), who's racing with Corentin Horeau. Arno Biston and Vittoria Ripa di Meana (Article.1) spent part of the afternoon preparing their provisioning bags in the race village's logistics area.
Each sailor has their go-to treats: Pier-Paolo Dean and Tiphaine Rideau (BANQUES ALIMENTAIRES) bring candy, while Romain Bouillard and Irina Gracheva (Décrochons la lune) opt for chocolate fondants. Alexis Thomas and Pauline Courtois pack plenty of snacks, and salty favorites also have a place: Hugo Cardon (Humains en action) swears by his pot of rillette which is a sort of potted meat, while Mathilde Géron (Demain, with Martin Le Pape) jokes that she "needs dried sausage." Adrien Simon and Chloé Le Bars also admit to packing a few aperitif essentials.
A touch of magic and sentiment
Some sailors won't set off without their beloved mascots. "I've always brought my stuffed animal with me—my little sloth is making the crossing," says Anaëlle Pattusch (Humains en action). Pier-Paolo Dean shares a similar habit: "My cuddly toy always comes along, even if it's getting a bit worn out!"
Quentin Vlamynck (Les Étoiles Filantes), sailing with Audrey Ogereau, is bringing a small plush toy named Lila—joined by its "little sister," who has already crossed the Atlantic in the Transquadra. While Maël Garnier doesn't carry a lucky charm per se, he brings along tokens and messages from friends and sponsors: "Last time, they really helped me stay positive and keep my spirits up until the finish."
Life in the race village
With just three days to go before the start, Thursday brought sunny skies and perfect conditions for visitors to enjoy the festive Transat Paprec village. While the public engaged in activities along the Quai Carnot in Concarneau, the skippers had a packed schedule: a crucial briefing at the Pôle Nautique focused on racing instructions and safety procedures.
From start sequence logistics and course details to external assistance rules and crisis communication, every aspect was covered to ensure skippers are fully briefed and prepared for the race. Later, teams shifted into final preparation mode, with an eye on the weather. According to the latest Météo Consult forecasts, winds on Sunday are expected to be "light to moderate," with minimal risk of rain at the start.
Latest update
Originally scheduled for Friday, the Pro-Am race—a final sail before Sunday's start, featuring guest sailors aboard each duo's Figaro Beneteau 3—has been cancelled due to adverse weather. Organizers and race officials opted for caution in the face of strong squalls and gusts exceeding 20 knots, conditions that could damage the boats less than 48 hours before the official start.
Upcoming highlights
Friday (10:00-23:00):
18:30 - Official team presentation
21:00 - Maracujah concert
Saturday (10:00-23:00):
21:00 - La Ruda concert
Sunday (09:00-18:00):
09:30 - Dock out ceremony
13:02 - Official race start
Full event program available on the Transat Paprec website.
Practical info
- Village location: Quai Carnot, Concarneau
- Opening hours: From 10:00 daily (9:00 on Sunday)
- Closing time: 20:00, or 23:00 for evening events (18:00 on Sunday)
- Entry: Free and open to all