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He was one of those atypical characters who was immensely appreciated in the world of ocean racing. Laurent Gourmelon, boat captain of the Solidaires En Peloton trimaran, passed away at the age of 45. His death leaves a void in the Malouin nautical landscape and in the Ocean Fifty class.
A native of Saint Malo
Introduced to sailing at an early age by his family and a member of the Société Nautique de la Baie de Saint Malo, Laurent sailed Optimists, Lasers, Class 8s and Muscadets, before moving on to bigger boats. A sailing instructor in his youth, he went on to specialize in sailmaking and the handling of composite materials in the South of France.
Back in Brittany, he took part in the construction of two Class40s in Saint Malo, including Yannick Bestaven's boat. This experience forged his reputation as a versatile, resourceful technician who excelled in all the technical areas found aboard such boats.
He then took a family interlude in the West Indies, before joining Thibaut Vauchel Camus' team in 2019. Here, he is a long-term member of the team, following the rhythm of the seasons and the evolution of the Ocean Fifty class.
Laurent was not only responsible for the technical aspects of Solidaires en Peloton, he was also a pillar of the team. Preparing the seasons, optimizing and preparing the boat, coordination and general logistics, convoying, monitoring measurement checks - he knew everything on board. Since 2024, he has also been on board as a crew member during the racing phases.
Thibaut Vauchel Camus summed up his role as follows: "Laurent knew every fiber of the boat, every noise, every tension."
A committed figure in the nautical community
Beyond the facts of the sea, Laurent embodied the spirit of the Ocean Fifty class, heir to the Multi50s. On the pontoons, he was a reference within the class, always ready to lend a hand or share feedback with the other teams.
The Solidaires En Peloton team, the Société Nautique de la Baie de Saint Malo and the Ocean Fifty class, along with hundreds of other people, paid tribute to a passionate sailor who was keen to pass on his passion. He also sailed with his family, notably on Muscadet, and accompanied one of his two sons in his sailing apprenticeship.
In an environment where technique and competitiveness can quickly take over, he retained a sense of humor appreciated by the crews. But behind the nicknames and anecdotes, we lose a demanding professional.
The editors of bateaux.com offer their sincere condolences to his family and loved ones, and to the entire Ocean Fifty family.
The Solidaires En Peloton team has set up a fund to support its two children, Titouane and Mayeul, in their future projects.
