A journey rich in nautical experiences
Niels Boucard grew up in a nautical environment, with a grandfather who was passionate about sailing. After starting out in sport-studies swimming, he turned to sailing, passing a BPJEPS and working for two years in a club. He then accumulated experience on a variety of boats: windsurfing, Open 570, J80, Figaro, Class40, and took part in convoying and training. At the age of 18, he embarked on maxi boats, discovering the demanding technical aspects of big boats. He also skippered the Formula 40 Triga IV, developing a passion for multihull gliding. Trained by Ãric Defert on an MOD70, he acquires a solid toolbox of skills to lead an ocean racing project.âeuros
A sporting and ecological project
Aware of environmental issues, Niels wants to move away from greenwashing and adopt a different, humble approach. He plans to take part in the Route du Rhum with an Orma trimaran, a machine that is still performing well despite its age. Based in Chicago since 2018, the boat has already set records on the Great Lakes. Nils wants to use this platform to raise awareness of climate change, by involving companies in a concrete CSR approach. It aims to raise awareness among 100 employees per partner company, by highlighting concrete actions carried out jointly. Technical partnerships have already been established, notably with Decathlon and Acuitis.
An Orma from the 2000s
âeurosBuilt in 2002 by the CDK Technologies yard in Lorient, the Sopra Group trimaran belongs to the ORMA generation, and was initially helmed by Philippe Monnet, then by Antoine Koch. Despite a brief spell in the hands of Laurent Bourgnon, the trimaran never performed well against the VPLP or Irens designs. Since the end of the Orma class, she has continued to sail and has been closely monitored.
A human and committed adventure
Niels Boucard's project aims to create a human and committed story, where the partners take ownership of the boat and invest in a sustainable approach. By using the trimaran as a media lever, he aims to highlight associations and concrete values, while carrying out joint actions with them. This project combines sporting performance, environmental commitment and corporate awareness, offering a new vision of ocean racing.
Niels Boucard embodies a new generation of sailors, combining a passion for the sea with an ecological conscience. His project for the next Route du Rhum, aboard the former Sopra trimaran, reflects a desire to reconcile performance and commitment, paving the way for more responsible ocean racing.
