Clarisse Crémer still in the IMOCA class
Clarisse Crémer had not communicated since her long message published on February 2, 2023 on social networks to indicate that her sponsor Banque Populaire had left her behind. Since the purchase of the ex-Apivia by Alex Thomson's team, rumors have been flying about the possibility of a duo between the two sailors. The presence of the sailor at the General Assembly of the IMOCA class on April 14th confirmed that she was continuing in the class.
A new sponsor, a renowned coach
More than two months after the end of her partnership with the sailing bank, Clarisse Crémer has found a new sponsor. She will now wear the colors of L'Occitane en Provence for the Vendée Globe 2024. As a reminder, the cosmetics brand is the former partner of Armel Tripon in the Vendée Globe 2020/2021. Since then, the brand had not set foot in the world of sailing. The 33-year-old sailor has also teamed up with Alex Thomson to take up this challenge and start the round-the-world race in 20 months time. She will be back at the helm of the boat bought for her by Banque Populaire, the former Apivia. In the hands of Charlie Dalin for nearly 5 years, it is one of the most successful boats on the circuit with an impressive track record: winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre in 2019, 2nd in the Vendée Globe 2021 and the Route du Rhum 2022.
Clarisse Crémer testifies: "I am particularly happy and proud to be able to start this new adventure with L'OCCITANE in Provence. I have had the Vendée Globe 2024 in mind since I last rounded the Cape of Good Hope and it is a privilege to have them by my side to pursue this challenge! These last few months have been intense, sometimes hard, but I will always be grateful to all those who believed in me and allowed me, year after year, to progress and participate in the major events of ocean racing. Today I am focused on the future: it is a great joy to have an extraordinary boat and a great team to accompany me in this adventure, and I can't wait to get back to sailing. The starting line of the Vendée Globe is still a long way off, and there are still many challenges to be met, but I am putting all my energy into the success of this project to prove that with desire, determination and the right partners, we can make society, companies and sport more equitable."
20 months of race against the clock
The various players will now have to put together a technical team, take charge of the boat and define the competition schedule to accumulate as many miles as possible and qualify for the Vendée Globe. It is indeed a matter of miles that caused dissension between Banque Populaire and Clarisse Crémer, since the young pregnant woman and young mother was unable to sail for a while. In any case, the young woman will be able to count on the support of the SAEM Vendée, which could award her the only Wild Card and qualify her directly for the IMOCA race.
Supporting women in the professional world
For L'Occitane, this is a great opportunity to shine by defending the female cause, especially in the world of sailing, as Adrien Geiger, general manager of the brand explains: "We are very proud to support Clarisse Crémer, a true role model for new generations, and to help her accomplish her sporting and human adventure. We have decided to join forces to promote women's leadership in sailing, a competitive world that is still largely male. Indeed, we make it a point of honor to support all women in their personal and professional projects. Clarisse's struggle to combine her role as a mother with her professional aspirations is that of many women."
