Charlotte Yven Makes History, Secures Back-to-Back Paprec Transat Wins

Saint Barthélémy, Antilles – Charlotte Yven and teammate Hugo Dhallenne sailed their Macif Skipper to victory in the 2025 paprec Transat, etching Yven’s name in the history books. The duo crossed the finish line early Friday morning, securing a hard-fought win in a race known for its grueling conditions and demanding navigation.

Yven’s victory is particularly notable as she becomes the first woman to win the Paprec Transat twice, and consecutively. This achievement places her alongside sailing legend Armel Le Cléach, the only other two-time winner of the prestigious race. We held up. It didn’t play much, the differences are tiny, we played with the wind that we had without worrying too much about the opponents. Maybe that’s what made the difference, Yven said upon arrival, highlighting the close competition and strategic decisions that led to their triumph.

The Paprec Transat, a transatlantic race that requires teams of two, has gained prominence for its unique format and the challenges it presents to sailors. This year’s race saw Yven and Dhallenne complete the course in 18 days, 19 hours, 16 minutes, and 54 seconds. While this time was slower than the record set in 2021 by Nils Palmieri and Julien Villion (18 days, 5 hours, 8 minutes, and 3 seconds), the victory was no less notable, given the unpredictable weather conditions encountered during the final stretch.

The race was a nail-biter, with eight boats vying for the lead as they approached the Caribbean island.Yven and Dhallenne’s ability to navigate the shifting winds and maintain their focus proved to be the deciding factor. Their victory underscores the importance of strategic decision-making and teamwork in offshore sailing, reminiscent of the tactical prowess displayed in America’s cup races.

Romain Bouillard and Irina Gracheva (Let’s pick up the moon) finished in second place, while cindy Brin and Thomas André (Cap St Barth) rounded out the podium.Wings of the Ocean (Alexis Thomas, pauline Courtois), which led for a significant portion of the race (194 times), ultimately finished in 9th place, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of offshore racing.

Yven’s Vendée Globe Aspirations

At 28 years old, Charlotte Yven has her sights set on an even greater challenge: the Vendée Globe 2028.The Vendée Globe,a single-handed,non-stop,round-the-world yacht race,is considered one of the most demanding feats in sailing. Yven’s success in the paprec Transat serves as a significant stepping stone towards achieving her Vendée Globe dream, showcasing her skill, determination, and ability to handle the pressures of long-distance offshore racing.

Her back-to-back Paprec Transat wins not only solidify her position as a top female sailor but also inspire a new generation of sailors, particularly women, to pursue their dreams in the sport. Yven’s journey mirrors the rise of other prominent female athletes in traditionally male-dominated sports, such as Danica Patrick in NASCAR, demonstrating that talent and dedication can break down barriers.

The Paprec Transat’s unique dual-handed format, implemented in 2023, adds another layer of complexity to the race. It requires sailors to work together effectively, combining their skills and knowledge to overcome the challenges of the open ocean. This emphasis on teamwork is a valuable lesson that can be applied to other areas of life,from business to personal relationships.

While Yven and Dhallenne’s victory is a testament to their skill and readiness, it also highlights the inherent risks and uncertainties of offshore racing. The unpredictable weather conditions, the potential for equipment failure, and the sheer physical and mental demands of the race all contribute to its challenging nature. This is similar to the challenges faced by climbers attempting to summit Mount everest, where meticulous planning and execution are essential for success.

The sailing community will be watching closely as Charlotte Yven continues her journey towards the Vendée Globe. Her talent, determination, and recent successes suggest that she has the potential to become a major force in the world of offshore racing. Her story is a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.