On Sunday, December 3, 2017, the Nautic Scene hosted the award ceremony of the Sailor of the Year of the French Sailing Federation . They were 8 athletes nominated for their prowess during the year: Armel le Cléac'h, Thomas Coville, Antoine Albeau, Delphine Cousin, Alexia Fancelli, Francis Joyon, Jonathan Lobert and Nicolas Parlier.
The big winner of this 2017 vintage is Thomas Coville, to whom we owe the record for the solo round the world multihull race in 49 days, 3 hours 4 minutes and 28 seconds set on 25 December 2016. It was none other than the president of the jury, Charline Picon, who announced who was the Sailor of the Year, in front of sailing enthusiasts and great figures.
A fine reward for the 49-year-old sailor who has marked the year 2017 with several successes. This round-the-world voyage, therefore, but also for his record for crossing the North Atlantic single-handed - which he achieved in 4 days 11 hours 10 minutes and 23 seconds on 15th July, or his victory in the recent Transat Jacques Vabre, alongside Jean-Luc Nélias - in 7 days 22 hours 7 minutes and 27 seconds.
Having left Salvador de Bahia (Brazil) on 20th November to bring his boat back to France, the skipper and his crew are still at sea. They should arrive tomorrow in La Trinité sur Mer, the home port of Sodebo Ultim'. He has therefore expressed himself by radio link-up from his boat.
A good news while in the same day Thomas Coville has just lost 2 records : Single-handed circumnavigation of the world, François Gabart sets the record for crossing the Pacific Ocean .
" Above all, this title is a reward for all of us. More than a personal success, I say "us" because it's a team victory, the victory of Sodebo, who have been with me for 18 years. The result of the famous team spirit. A whole group, a company, a family, friends and people who have supported me all these years.
It's all about time: the years, days and hours of training before you complete something that expresses who you are. 49 days 3 hours to circumnavigate the world and 4 days 11 hours to cross the North Atlantic, it is above all about being able to stay ahead of time. And that's probably what inspires me the most.
I'm humbled by this trophy in the face of other great champions, but I'm so proud to hold it up for the road we've travelled and this incredible story that is so much like us."
