No surprises

When Yoann Richomme took back to back Route du Rhum victories in the Class40 he demonstrated an unusual mastery of weather and strategy… not to mention the ability to set his boat up to perfection and drive it like he stole it. So few were all that surprised when Richomme proved to be Charlie Dalin’s principal opposition during his friend’s recent Vendée Globe victory onboard Macif. Jocelyn Blériot sits down with a remarkable racer who is already odds on favourite for the next race in 2028

In his inaugural Vendée Globe Yoann Richomme secured second place aboard Paprec Arkéa, completing the solo circumnavigation in 65d 18h 10m. Firmly positioning himself where all commentators expected him – at the very front of the fleet – from the outset, he duelled with an unforgivingly masterful Charlie Dalin, whose relentless pace took its toll on both nerves and gear. Yet throughout the race Yoann always found time to share and explain – mood, strategy, technical considerations alike. Obviously, we were always going to want to know more, and barely gave him time to catch his breath…