Violette Dorange is a French sailor who has been in the news since the start of the Vendée Globethis solo, non-stop and unassisted sailing race, considered one of the most difficult and prestigious in the world. Born in 2001, Violette has been passionate about the sea from a very young age, and started sailing at the age of 7. Although she initially thought about stopping, her parents, veterinarians by profession, managed to convince her to continue. Her talent and determination quickly led her to distinguish herself in this very demanding field. In 2016, Violette Dorange becomes known to the general public by becoming the youngest skipper to cross the Channel solo, then the following year, she shined once again by becoming the first to cross the Strait of Gibraltar in an Optimist. These crossings, made at such a young age, mark the beginning of a series of maritime exploits which attracts the attention of the media and sailing enthusiasts. In 2019, at the age of 18, Violette Dorange became the youngest woman to participate in the Mini Transat, a solo transatlantic race on 6.50 meter sailboats, often considered one of the most difficult and difficult more prestigious for young skippers.
In addition to navigation, Violette Dorange is also pursuing studies in naval engineering.combining his passions for the sea and technology. This duality between high-level sport and higher education testifies to his determination and ambition. An ambition that she nourishes throughout her competitions and in particular the Vendée Globe of which she is currently the youngest. Asked by The Parisianher father and her older sister Rose Dorange, who looks just like her, spoke about the sailor's perseverance. “I've never seen her like that. Her eyes sparkle, Violette is happy!”assured his sister. And his father bounced back: “Violette is glowing, she looks so good on her boat”. The two sisters have a close relationship and Rose has also revealed that they have “started sailing together”. “We spent twelve years there,” said the one who graduated in pharmacy. She closely follows her little sister's journey and says she is interested in checking the synchronization of the rankings in real time. “It’s the first thing I do in the morning, and the last thing before I go to bed. It’s going to take three months but I feel the need to watch. We are very close, Violette and I.”said the employee in a pharmaceutical laboratory.
A united family behind Violette Dorange
The whole Dorange family is united behind Violette who makes them couldn't be more proud. Arnaud Dorange, the father of the family, told Parisian: “All my customers tell me about it. A breeder told me that she looked like me when I was vaccinating his cows. It's the same at the bakery and everywhere else.” And to add: “I take a quick look at the rankings five or six times a day. But I decided not to follow her at night anymore. During Violette's first races, I couldn't help it, I woke up three times, but I worked a lot on that.”
For her part, Rose Dorange also had to work on herself because “emotional and often in tears”she is now trying to “keep [ses] fears for her”. The playlist concocted by his companion perhaps suggests things in this direction. If communications with Violette are very rare to prevent her from losing concentration in her race, Rose admits: “I can't wait for her to call me. But it’s a good sign if Violette doesn’t call us right away, it means she’s on board her boat!” “Knowing her temperament, she won't stop at her first Vendée Globe. She's a go-getter. Normal, she's an Aries”concluded the eldest who knows that she will have to have a strong heart so as not to worry about her little sister.
