Vendée Globe. PORTRAIT. Yoann Richomme, Charlie Dalin's “false twin”: chronicle of a controlled rise

Yoann Richomme crossed the finish line this Wednesday January 15 in the early morning, succeeding, after Charlie Dalin, in shattering the previous Vendée Globe record. A remarkable feat for this 41-year-old sailor, a novice in this legendary race. A look back at the journey of this naval architect who became an essential skipper.

This Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Yoann Richomme crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe in second place, aboard his blue and red IMOCA, Paprec Arkéa, behind Charlie Dalin. An exceptional performance for this 41-year-old “newbie”, who will also shatter the previous record by nine days. A look back at the journey of a meticulous competitor, who made his place in ocean racing.

Based in Lorient, Yoann Richomme is much more than just a skipper. A naval architect by training, graduated from Southampton Solent University, he climbed the ranks of ocean racing thanks to unparalleled rigor and vision. Yann Eliès, offshore racing expert, sailed with the two leaders of this Vendée Globe:“Without a doubt, Yoann and Charlie are the sailors of the year” he believes. A status that the Morbihanais has built over time.

Double winner of the Route du Rhum and the Solitaire du Figaro, Yoann Richomme has collected victories in various boat categories, from Figaro to Class40, including IMOCA.

Read: Vendée Globe. Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme as leaders, embody the excellence of the Finistère Offshore Racing pole

His rise is the result of a rare blend of technical skills, an innate sense of regatta and an ability to bring together a successful team. “I want to understand everything, even if it sometimes pushes me to watch a tutorial in the middle of the night”he confides. This perfectionist spirit materialized with Paprec Arkéa, a project that he carried out from the design of his boat.

Sailing, for the Richommes, is a family affair. His grandfather launched the family vocation off the coast of Port-Navalo, at the entrance to the Gulf of Morbihan. His father continues it. With him, Yoann made his first transatlantic crossing, at the age of 15, when the family returned from four years spent in the United States. This experience will mark a turning point: no more desires for carpentry or IT, room for a course in naval architecture and competition.

On the Tour de France under sail, then solo, he refined his talent. In 2016, he won the Solitaire du Figaro with only five minutes ahead of… Charlie Dalin. Three years later, in 2019, he achieved a historic double against a fleet of legends like Armel Le Cléac'h and Loïck Peyron. His victories on the Route du Rhum in 2018, then in 2022, in Class 40, confirm his status as leader. “Every race is a learning experience, and I always want to go further”he explains.

The idea of ​​participating in the Vendée Globe matured slowly. “It wasn’t obvious at first. But the desire grew over time, until it became an accomplishment.” At 41, Yoann Richomme embarks on this legendary adventure, aware of the difficulties but ready to take on the challenge.

Her IMOCA Paprec Arkéa is designed to excel in the South Seas. “It’s a boat designed to traverse waves smoothly, a key advantage in the extreme conditions of the Pacific.” However, he recognizes that Charlie Dalin has a faster boat in the Atlantic, a difference which did not prevent Yoann from waging a fierce fight throughout this edition.

And in this Vendée Globe 2024-2025, Yoann Richomme is treating himself to a luxury: crossing Cape Horn in the lead. A feat for the skipper who was more than a day behind his rival when passing Australia. His joy was all the more beautiful. “This world tour is fantastic” he whispers as he passes to take a left to go up towards Les Sables d'Olonne.

Since the descent of the Atlantic, the duel with Charlie Dalin has captivated. Respect and camaraderie permeate this competition, reflecting years of collaboration and friendly rivalry. Yoann Richomme knows his opponents well: Dalin, Lunven, Séguin… all are fellow travelers from the Port-la-Forêt training center.

In the eyes of Yann Eliès, their common coach at the Port-la-Forêt center of excellence, “Yoann and Charlie Dalin are fraternal twins”. For the Morbihan resident, this proximity with other skippers allows him to excel, “It's stimulating to race against friends. We trust each other, we go all out.”

Running alone is not my favorite.

Although he prefers crew races, Yoann Richomme has become accustomed to solo racing. “It's not my favorite, but it's a fascinating exercise. The Vendée Globe is extreme, physically and mentally.” Between weather strategy and management of unforeseen events, he juggles with constraints to stay on top of the competition and take care of the man-boat couple.

Yoann Richomme is the embodiment of a controlled rise to power. From his first victories in Figaro to his recent successes in IMOCA, he has been able to adapt and innovate. He finished this Vendée Globe in style, also beating Armel Le Cléac'h's record and confirming his status as a great skipper.

Read: Route du Rhum 2022: Yoann Richomme winner in Class40, four years after his first victory

“I am happy to have waited until I was 40 to take part in this unique race. I savor this experience, which combines passion, surpassing oneself and technical perfection.” Yoann Richomme, a fierce competitor and a man of challenges, ready to leave a lasting mark in the history of sailing.