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The Route du Rhum 2026 will mark the arrival of a second boat in the Sodebo colors on the starting line. Above all, it will mark the arrival of a new skipper: Léonard Legrand. Trained as an engineer and a member of Team Sodebo for ten years, he embodies an atypical trajectory, fully in line with the transmission logic developed by the Lorient-based team.
A profile from the design office
Léonard Legrand, 31, is first and foremost a technician. Specializing in electronics and onboard computing, he joined Team Sodebo as soon as he finished his studies, initially on a sandwich course. Since then, he has been at the heart of the onboard systems on the maxi-trimaran Sodebo Ultim 3. Today, this onboard technical expertise is an essential asset in the management of an Ocean Fifty trimaran, where automation and sensors play a crucial role.
Gradual immersion in ocean racing
Aboard the Ultim trimaran, he took part in the Jules Verne Trophy attempts, alongside Thomas Coville and Benjamin Schwartz. As a sailor and technician, he is also involved in the routing cell. At the same time, he took part in two full seasons in the Ocean Fifty on the Pro Sailing Tour, as well as a crewed transatlantic race, gradually paving the way for a future solo career.
Growing responsibility within Team Sodebo
The integration of Léonard Legrand as skipper is part of an internal development strategy. Sodebo's acquisition of the former Wind of Trust the VPLP trimaran, launched in 2009, has enabled us to structure a genuine in-house training program. This boat has been through several campaigns: Crêpes Whaou 3 , FenêtréA-Cardinal , GCA Group ... It represents a reliable, tried-and-tested, yet technically demanding medium, suited to solo learning.
A first participation in the Route du Rhum
Born in Saint-Malo, Léonard Legrand is now preparing for his first solo transatlantic race. The presence of a second trimaran in the Sodebo colors on the race will also enable us to pool our resources. Benjamin Schwartz will coordinate the routing cell for both boats. This structuring illustrates the changing role of the racing team: from a skipper-centric structure, it is becoming a team driven by a long-term rationale.
