A double for Thomas Ruyant and Morgan Lagravière
The duo of Thomas Ruyant and Morgan Lagravière won the Transat Jacques Vabre 2023 on an unprecedented course for IMOCA boats, which set off from Le Havre on a direct course to Martinique more than a week late, as the storm Ciaran forced them to postpone the start. At the helm of IMOCA For People, they reached Fort-de-France in 11 days, 21 hours, 32 minutes and 31 seconds. The 3750-mile course was sailed at 13.17 knots on the great circle route, but really at 19 knots on the water, the yacht having covered 5425 miles. This is the pair's second consecutive victory in the double-handed transatlantic race, having already won the trophy in 2021 on LinkedOut.
A hat-trick for architect Antoine Koch
The podium was completed by Yoann Richomme and Yann Eliès on Paprec Arkea, followed in 3rd place by Sam Goodchild and Antoine Koch's For The Planet. Separated by just 9 minutes and 16 seconds, the two duos conceded just over 4 hours to the winner. For naval architect Antoine Koch, it's another hat-trick. He designed For People and Arkea Paprec, launched in the summer, while leading the former LinkedOut with Sam Goodchild to a second podium finish under his new colors.
Tight finish in Martinique
Soon after the first 3 boats, the IMOCA boats continued to cross the line. In less than 35 minutes, Charal, Initiatives Coeur, Teamwork and Malizia Seaexplorer completed their transatlantic race. A notable player in the race, Justine Mettraux and her co-skipper Julien Villion put in a remarkable performance, daring to take a northerly option in rough seas and difficult conditions to finish in 6th place.
