The 2018 Sailor of the Year evening, which was to take place during the Paris Boat Show, had finally been postponed to February due to the social movements taking place in the capital. The ceremony organized by the French Sailing Federation took place on Friday, February 1st and dedicated Charles Caudrelier. He succeeds Thomas Coville as Sailor of the Year. The nominees included François Gabart, Francis Joyon, Paul Meilhat and also sailors from the Olympic and light sailing sectors such as the World Champions of 470 Kevin Péponnet and Jérémie Mion or the windsurfer Antoine Albeau
"He is a man of challenges who has today been honored with this award that recognizes the best athletes on the water." explained the FFV Sailing.
For the past 20 years, Charles Caudrelier has multiplied his victories in solo, double or crewed races. He has two wins in the Transat Jacques Vabre (2009 and 2013) and a first victory in the Volvo Ocean Race with Franck Cammas in 2012. Since then, he has been the skipper of the Franco-Chinese Dongfeng Race Team and in 2018, he won his first victory in this position
He would now like to get involved in a 2024-25 Vendée Globe campaign, but also to get close to the Ultimates.
"It's nice to have this title, it's a great recognition from the community. For a Frenchman, winning the Volvo Ocean Race is exceptional. I am happy for myself and my crew in particular, Bruno Dubois who chose me and my two right-hand men Pascal Bidégorry and Kevin Escoffier" confides Charles Caudrelier.
"These champions' evenings made me dream when I was a beginner and highlight performances that are not often talked about, even though they are immense, I think in particular of light sailing" said Charles Caudrelier before continuing. " I am very happy. This title is a very beautiful recognition and not only mine but that of the whole team managed by Bruno Dubois and OC Sport since the beginning. I am thinking in particular tonight of the French sailors by my side: Pascal Bidégorry, Marie Riou, Kevin Escoffier, Jérémie Beyou, Fabien Delahaye and also Franck Cammas who came on a stage. And more generally, to the many French specialists who, ashore, contributed to this victory."
As a reminder, the Jury was composed of athletes, institutions and media representatives and awarded this distinction to Charles Caudrelier and his crew during a deliberation held the same day at the CNOSF. The public also participated in this election through an online vote, held from Tuesday, November 20 to Thursday, December 6, 2018, on the FFVoile website. The Internet users' vote counted for two votes during the Jury's vote.
